Cost of living in Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana, is a vibrant city known for its cultural diversity and academic influence, thanks to Indiana University. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for students, professionals, and families considering relocation.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Bloomington, covering dining, groceries, transportation, housing, 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 $14 on average, with a range between $10 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $57.5, with prices ranging from $44 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8, with a range between $8 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $9, imported beer $4 to $12, cappuccino $2 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $5.42.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.59 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $0.78.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.65 and $4.96, with an average price of $2.62.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.79 to $3.5, averaging $2.77.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.93 to $8.8 per kg, while oranges range from $1 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.66 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.3 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1, with a monthly pass priced at $30.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.71 and $0.95 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.75, with a cost of $1.06 to $1.4 per km and $18 to $30 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1400.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1100 to $1500, averaging $1300.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1800 to $2400, averaging $2100.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1350 to $2200, averaging $1712.5.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1991 to $2260.42, averaging $2125.71.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1991.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $80.64 and $600, averaging $137.92.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $97, with an average cost of $58.54.
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"
Bloomington offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Transportation is economical, with low costs for public transport and gasoline, making it easy to navigate the city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bloomington, IN, provides a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and transportation options.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, options outside the centre offer more budget-friendly alternatives.
Overall, Bloomington is an attractive option for those seeking a vibrant community with manageable living expenses.