Cost of living in Champaign
Champaign, Illinois, is a vibrant city known for its educational institutions and lively community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of 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 $14.5 on average, with a range between $12 and $26.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $44 to $73.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $13.78.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $7, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $1.5 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $2.75.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.66 and $1.24 per liter, averaging $0.78.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.57 and $4.41, with an average price of $2.98.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.4 to $8, averaging $1.4.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $4.41 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $4.96 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.66 and $3.86 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.69 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.03 per liter.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $24,500, while a Toyota Corolla is priced between $20,000 and $26,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $900 to $1100, averaging $966.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $700 to $850, averaging $766.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1800 to $2000, averaging $1933.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1250 to $1400, averaging $1325.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $1507.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $1507.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $250, averaging $216.67.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $90, with an average cost of $62.
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.
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"Key Takeaways"
Champaign offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Housing is reasonably priced, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out can be economical, with a variety of options available. Public transportation is inexpensive, making it a viable option for daily commuting.
Grocery prices are competitive, and utilities are moderately priced, contributing to a balanced monthly budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Champaign, IL, presents a cost-effective living environment with a balance of affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
Whether you're a student, professional, or family, Champaign offers a welcoming community with manageable living expenses, making it an attractive place to call home.