Cost of living in Tempe
Tempe, located in the heart of Arizona, is known for its vibrant community and proximity to Phoenix. Understanding the cost of living in Tempe is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18.34 on average, with a range between $10 and $32.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $45 to $110.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $8.75 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $7, imported beer $5 to $9, cappuccino $3.5 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.23.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.6 and $1.06 per liter, averaging $0.94.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $6.05, with an average price of $3.75.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $5.5, averaging $4.07.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.14 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $1.12 to $8.8 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.3 and $3.31 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $2.29 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1 and $2, with a monthly pass priced between $60 and $62.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.79 and $1.17 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.75, with a cost of $1.37 to $3.11 per km and $36 to $65 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1700 to $2100, averaging $1900.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1600 to $2050, averaging $1750.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $3200, averaging $2450.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $900 to $2500, averaging $1866.67.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $141 and $450, averaging $248.44.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $130, with an average cost of $87.04.
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"
Tempe offers a moderate cost of living with relatively affordable dining and grocery prices compared to other major cities.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on the location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Transportation is reasonably priced, with public transport and fuel costs being manageable for most residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tempe provides a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
While housing in the city centre may be on the higher side, the overall expenses for dining, groceries, and transportation remain accessible.
Prospective residents should consider their housing preferences and transportation needs when planning their move to Tempe.