Cost of living in Monroe
Monroe, located in the heart of Louisiana, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Monroe is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
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 $12 and $18.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $40, with prices ranging from $40 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $7 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $6, imported beer $5 to $8, cappuccino $3 to $7.31, and Coke/Pepsi $1.75 to $2.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.72 per liter, averaging $1.28.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.71 and $5.2, with an average price of $2.76.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.98 to $3.58, averaging $3.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.65 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.52 and $8.82 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.69 and $0.81 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $1.24 per km and $60 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $850 to $1200, averaging $1025.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $650 to $900, averaging $775.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2100 to $3000, averaging $2550.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1600 to $2200, averaging $1900.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3229.17.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $2690.98.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $103.48 and $195, averaging $138.7.
- Internet - Internet services range from $25 to $100, with an average cost of $62.5.
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.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Monroe offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with moderate housing and utility costs.
Dining out is reasonably priced, making it accessible for residents to enjoy local cuisine.
Transportation costs are low, particularly for gasoline, which can be beneficial for those who commute by car.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Monroe, LA, presents a balanced cost of living that can appeal to both individuals and families.
With affordable housing options and reasonable prices for dining and transportation, Monroe is an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle in a city with Southern charm.