Cost of living in Amherst
Amherst, located in Massachusetts, is known for its vibrant academic community and picturesque landscapes. Understanding the cost of living in Amherst is crucial for potential residents and students planning to move to this charming town.
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 $19 on average, with a range between $12 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70, with prices ranging from $60 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.5, with a range between $8 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $10, imported beer $6 to $11, cappuccino $4 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.91 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.13.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.7.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3 to $8, averaging $4.66.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $4.41 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1 and $2.65 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $3.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0 and $2.5, with a monthly pass priced between $0 and $56.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.86 and $0.95 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares are not specified, but typically start at a base rate with additional costs per kilometer and waiting time.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1600 to $2000, averaging $1825.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $1700, averaging $1626.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3500 to $6000, averaging $4833.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3000 to $4500, averaging $3500.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment outside the centre is $4036.47.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $109.29 and $502.27, averaging $158.55.
- Internet - Internet services range from $69 to $120, with an average cost of $87.8.
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"
Amherst offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Amherst are relatively moderate, with some variation in the cost of fresh produce and dairy.
Transportation costs are generally low, with affordable public transport options and competitive fuel prices.
Housing in Amherst can be expensive, particularly for larger apartments in the city centre, but more affordable options exist outside the centre.
Utilities and internet costs are in line with national averages, providing a reasonable expectation for monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amherst presents a mixed cost of living landscape, with certain areas like housing and dining potentially being more costly.
However, the availability of affordable transportation and moderate grocery prices can help balance overall expenses.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget constraints when planning a move to Amherst.