Cost of living in Decatur
Decatur, located in Alabama, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Decatur is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $11.5 on average, with a range between $8 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $50 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9, with a range between $6 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $6 to $10, cappuccino $3.5 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $1.14 per liter, averaging $0.53.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.42 and $4.41, with an average price of $2.49.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.87 to $6, averaging $3.5.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $8.77 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.33 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.72 and $0.97 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2, with a cost of $1.37 per km and $20 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1000.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1650 to $1850, averaging $1750.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1636.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $178.95 and $350, averaging $226.54.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $266, with an average cost of $69.4.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Decatur offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with moderate prices in dining and housing.
Grocery prices are competitive, and transportation costs are manageable, making it an attractive option for families and individuals alike.
Potential residents should consider the variability in housing and utility costs when planning their budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Decatur, AL, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and reasonable dining expenses.
While some costs, such as utilities, can vary, the overall expenses remain manageable for most residents.
This makes Decatur an appealing choice for those seeking a comfortable lifestyle without the high costs associated with larger metropolitan areas.