Cost of living in College Park
College Park, located in Maryland, is a vibrant city known for its academic institutions and cultural diversity. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for residents and newcomers alike.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in College Park, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $12.36 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $77.5, with prices ranging from $50 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $10 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $7.5, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $3.5 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.08.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.78.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $5.5, averaging $3.89.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.98 and $5.51 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2 and $3.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.78 and $1.02 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.8, with a cost of $1.37 to $2.02 per km and $24 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1900 to $1909, averaging $1904.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1300 to $1900, averaging $1600.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3049 to $4197, averaging $3582.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2500 to $3000, averaging $2750.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $90 and $350, averaging $217.5.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $120, with an average cost of $82.57.
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"
College Park offers a moderate cost of living with relatively high housing costs, especially in the city centre.
Dining out can be affordable, with a variety of options ranging from inexpensive to mid-range restaurants.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transport and fuel prices being accessible.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like fresh produce and dairy being more affordable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, College Park, MD, presents a balanced cost of living with some areas like housing being on the higher side.
Potential residents should consider their budget for housing and utilities, while enjoying the diverse dining and transportation options available.