Cost of living in Springfield
Springfield, the capital city of Illinois, offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Springfield is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $16 on average, with a range between $12 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $50 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $11, imported beer $4 to $10, cappuccino $2.11 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $0.97 per liter, averaging $0.79.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.87 and $5.5, with an average price of $3.16.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.23 to $3.99, averaging $2.64.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2 to $11 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $13.78 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.96 and $2.62 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $2.89 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.25, with a monthly pass priced at $40.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.73 and $1.19 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2, with a cost of $1.71 per km and $34 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $750 to $1100, averaging $925.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $600 to $1800, averaging $1200.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1800 to $2300, averaging $2050.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $715 to $4600, averaging $2657.5.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1119 to $6996.54, averaging $4057.77.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $1119.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $76 and $400, averaging $197.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $120, with an average cost of $73.
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"
Springfield offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Housing costs are moderate, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out can be budget-friendly, with a variety of options available. Transportation costs are low, particularly for public transit.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like imported goods may be higher. Utilities and internet services are competitively priced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Springfield, IL, presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a wide range of budgets. The city offers affordable housing, especially in suburban areas, and low transportation costs.
Residents can enjoy a variety of dining and entertainment options without breaking the bank. Overall, Springfield is an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in a city with rich historical significance and modern conveniences.