Cost of living in Athens
Athens, GA, known for its vibrant culture and historic charm, offers a unique living experience in the United States. Understanding the cost of living in Athens is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to this lively city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Athens, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities. Whether you're a student, a professional, or a family, this information will 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 $14.76 on average, with a range between $12 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $77.5, with prices ranging from $35 to $237.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.5 to $8, imported beer $5 to $12, cappuccino $4.25 to $7.5, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $8.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.73 and $1.06 per liter, averaging $0.82.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $6.61, with an average price of $2.98.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.65 to $5, averaging $2.08.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.8 to $8.8 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $5.51 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.38 to $3.69 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.75.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 and $0.97 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5, with a cost of $3.11 per km and $50 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1200 to $2200, averaging $1562.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $888 to $1500, averaging $1072.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $3500, averaging $2750.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1200 to $2500, averaging $2125.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2421.88 to $3229.17, averaging $2816.56.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1883.68 to $2690.98, averaging $2267.55.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $120 and $600, averaging $215.33.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $125, with an average cost of $63.75.
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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Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Athens, GA, offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Dining out can be economical, especially at casual restaurants.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive. Utilities and internet costs are moderate, providing a balanced expense profile.
Transportation is affordable, with low costs for public transport and gasoline, making it easy to navigate the city without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Athens, GA, presents a cost-effective living environment with a mix of affordable dining, moderate housing costs, and reasonable transportation expenses.
This makes it an attractive option for students, professionals, and families looking for a vibrant yet budget-friendly city to call home.