Cost of living in Charleston
Charleston, Illinois, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and affordability, making it an attractive place for residents and newcomers alike. Understanding the cost of living in Charleston is crucial for anyone considering a move or simply trying to budget effectively.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Charleston, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing.
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 $14.5 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $35, with prices ranging from $35 to $65.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8, with a range between $8 and $10.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic and imported beers are priced at $5, cappuccino ranges from $3.7 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi costs between $2.19 and $2.75.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.59 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.04.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.65 and $4.18, with an average price of $2.75.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $3.5, averaging $2.3.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples are priced at $4.17 per kg, while oranges range from $4.41 to $5.47 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $3.73 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.99 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.03 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.53, with a cost of $2.64 to $3.11 per km and $15 to $20 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not available for this category.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not available for this category.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not available for this category.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not available for this category.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $165 and $300, averaging $212.25.
- Internet - Internet services range from $52 to $100, with an average cost of $70.5.
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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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
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"Key Takeaways"
Charleston, IL, offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of dining and grocery prices. However, housing data is not available, which may require further research for potential residents.
Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being quite reasonable. Utilities and internet services are also within a manageable range for most households.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Charleston, IL, presents a cost-effective living environment with affordable dining and grocery options. While housing data is lacking, the overall expenses for utilities and transportation suggest a balanced cost of living.
Prospective residents should consider visiting Charleston to explore housing options and experience the local lifestyle firsthand.