Cost of living in Huntsville
Huntsville, Alabama, is a city known for its rich history and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning to budget effectively.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $17 on average, with a range between $10 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $62.5, with prices ranging from $35 to $130.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $8.97 and $11.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $6 to $9, cappuccino $3 to $7.5, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.06 per liter, averaging $0.95.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.76 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.64.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.79 to $4, averaging $3.33.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.85 to $15.43 per kg, while oranges range from $2.16 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.32 and $4.74 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1, with a monthly pass priced at $30.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.72 and $0.83 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.25, with a cost of $1.24 per km and $18 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1300 to $1545, averaging $1457.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $730 to $2000, averaging $1076.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2200 to $3700, averaging $2325.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1300 to $3000, averaging $2000.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1830 to $3928.83, averaging $2596.83.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1830 to $2798.62, averaging $2152.87.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $130 and $250, averaging $180.88.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $90, with an average cost of $66.5.
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"
Huntsville offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Dining out can be budget-friendly, especially at casual restaurants.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and gasoline. Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to overall affordability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Huntsville, AL, presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for individuals and families seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
Whether you're dining out, shopping for groceries, or securing housing, Huntsville provides a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences.