Cost of living in Cedar Rapids
Cedar Rapids, located in Iowa, is a vibrant city known for its cultural attractions and economic opportunities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Cedar Rapids, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
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 $12 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $55.5, with prices ranging from $50 to $110.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $10 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $6, imported beer $5.5 to $7, cappuccino $4.75 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $1.25 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.45 and $1.22 per liter, averaging $0.91.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.08 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.54 to $4.25, averaging $2.85.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.84 to $13.23 per kg, while oranges range from $2.76 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.46 and $3.68 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.79 to $2.17 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs around $2.5.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.75 and $0.91 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.55, 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) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $1200, averaging $1116.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $500 to $800, averaging $697.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2500, averaging $1740.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1000 to $1500, averaging $1233.33.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1593.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $1593.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $116 and $300, averaging $205.33.
- Internet - Internet services range from $52 to $130, 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.
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"Key Takeaways"
Cedar Rapids offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Dining out is reasonably priced, and grocery costs are moderate.
Housing is affordable, especially outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking more space.
Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transport and fuel prices, although car ownership can be costly due to vehicle prices.
Conclusion
Cedar Rapids presents a balanced cost of living, making it an appealing choice for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
With reasonable housing, dining, and transportation costs, it is a city that offers both economic and lifestyle benefits for residents.