Cost of living in Lakeland
Lakeland, located in the heart of Florida, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Lakeland is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $12 and $70.
- 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 $200.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9, with a range between $9 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $4 to $10, cappuccino $3.85 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $1.69 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.11.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.22 and $6.61, with an average price of $4.28.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.99 to $7, averaging $4.78.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.96 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $1.5 to $13.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.52 and $11.02 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 and $0.98 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.45.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $36,050, while a Toyota Corolla is priced at $22,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1600 to $2200, averaging $1893.33.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $1639, averaging $1546.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $3000.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2200 to $2359, averaging $2279.5.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $2153.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $2153.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $87.43 and $300, averaging $146.94.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $100, with an average cost of $53.5.
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"
Lakeland offers a moderate cost of living with affordable housing options, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out can vary significantly in price, offering both budget-friendly and upscale options.
Transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable gasoline prices and reasonable taxi fares.
Grocery prices are competitive, with a wide range of options for fresh produce and staples.
Conclusion
Overall, Lakeland, FL, provides a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
Whether you're looking for affordable housing, diverse dining options, or reasonable transportation costs, Lakeland offers a welcoming environment for both individuals and families.