Cost of living in Lafayette
Lafayette, located in the heart of Louisiana, is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. Understanding the cost of living in Lafayette is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $17 on average, with a range between $12 and $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $76.11, with prices ranging from $50 to $213.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $10 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $10, imported beer $5 to $15, cappuccino $1.99 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $1.99 to $5.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.87 and $1.98 per liter, averaging $1.15.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $5.51, with an average price of $2.99.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $7, averaging $3.45.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $1.74 to $9 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.37 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.49 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1 and $2.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.69 and $0.92 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.03, with a cost of $0.75 to $1.49 per km and $35 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 $1500, averaging $1200.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $900 to $1250, averaging $1062.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1400 to $2000, averaging $1724.75.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1655 to $2100, averaging $1885.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1658 to $3229.17, averaging $2443.59.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1614.59 to $3218.41, averaging $2163.67.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $106.25 and $375, averaging $209.08.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $93, with an average cost of $64.17.
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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"Key Takeaways"
Lafayette offers a moderate cost of living with affordable housing options, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out can vary significantly in price, with options ranging from budget-friendly to more upscale experiences.
Transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable public transport and gasoline prices.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like cheese and beef can be on the higher side.
Conclusion
Overall, Lafayette provides a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a vibrant community with reasonable expenses.
Potential residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget to make the most of what Lafayette has to offer.