Cost of living in Evanston
Evanston, located in Illinois, is a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity and proximity to Chicago. Understanding the cost of living in Evanston is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, groceries, transportation, and utilities, 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 $15 on average, with a range between $10 and $38.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $50 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $9 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $10, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $3 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.71 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.01.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.97 and $7.72, with an average price of $4.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.7 to $6, averaging $3.75.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $1.52 to $12.5 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $2.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.5.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.74 and $1.03 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.25, with a cost of $1.4 to $3.11 per km and $25 to $42 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1519.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent for a 3-bedroom apartment averages $3295.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $101.66 and $265, averaging $165.59.
- Internet - Internet services range from $20 to $100, with an average cost of $61.8.
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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Evanston offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Evanston are moderate, with some items like bread and eggs showing a wide price range.
Transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable public transport and competitive fuel prices.
Housing in Evanston can be expensive, particularly in the city centre, but there are more affordable options outside the centre.
Utilities and internet costs are in line with national averages, providing a balanced expense for residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Evanston presents a varied cost of living landscape, with certain areas like dining and housing being more expensive.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget accordingly to make the most of living in this vibrant city.