Cost of living in Columbus
Columbus, Georgia, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving here or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you 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 $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $35 to $100.
- 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 $7 to $10, cappuccino $4 to $7.5, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $8.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.69 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $0.82.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $5.07, with an average price of $2.98.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.65 to $2.95, averaging $2.08.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.65 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $7.72 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.65 and $3.31 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.29 to $3.69 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.3, with a monthly pass priced at $53.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 and $0.97 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2, with a cost of $1.24 per km and $21 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1100 to $1400, averaging $1250.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1200.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1400.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1241.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1345.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1345.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $160 and $600, averaging $290.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $125, with an average cost of $63.75.
Cost of Living Rankings
Columbus ranks 22nd on the Cost of Living rankings in United States. 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"
Columbus, GA, offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Housing is reasonably priced, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for families and individuals.
Dining and grocery costs are moderate, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets.
Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transport and fuel prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Columbus, GA, provides a balanced cost of living with affordable housing, moderate dining and grocery expenses, and low transportation costs.
This makes it an appealing destination for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle without sacrificing access to amenities and services.