Gloucester, MA, a picturesque coastal city in the United States, offers a unique blend of maritime charm and modern living. 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 Gloucester, covering essential categories such as housing, transportation, groceries, and more.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost around $20.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay approximately $80.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $10, imported beer $6.95 to $12, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $4.5.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced at $1.45 per liter.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $4.95.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are priced at $4.49.
  • Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese costs $17.59 per kg.
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) - A 1.5-liter bottle of water is priced at $1.
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) - A mid-range bottle of wine costs $20.
  • Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) - A pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs $16.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $34.66 per kg.
  • Oranges (1kg) - Oranges cost $2.84 per kg.
  • Potato (1kg) - Potatoes are priced at $2.2 per kg.
  • Lettuce (1 head) - A head of lettuce costs $3.99.
  • Rice (white), (1kg) - White rice costs $8.8 per kg.
  • Tomato (1kg) - Tomatoes are priced at $1.98 per kg.
  • Banana (1kg) - Bananas cost $0.73 per kg.
  • Onion (1kg) - Onions are priced at $2.93 per kg.
  • Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round costs $36.31 per kg.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly public transport pass is priced at $30.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.05 per liter.
  • Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) - Taxi fares start at $4.5.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1200 to $2000, averaging $1600.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1200.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2500 to $3500, averaging $3000.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $2500.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $500.
  • Internet - Internet services cost $147.
  • Mobile Phone Monthly Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs $100.
Worldwide
United States

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024
Full Cost of Living Rankings

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 3 user contributions, as of the most recent update in June, 2024.
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.45
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$4.95
Eggs (regular) (12)
$4.49
Local Cheese (1kg)
$17.59
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.00
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$20.00
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$16.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$34.66
Oranges (1kg)
$2.84
Potato (1kg)
$2.20
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.99
Rice (white), (1kg)
$8.80
Tomato (1kg)
$1.98
Banana (1kg)
$0.73
Onion (1kg)
$2.93
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$36.31
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.00
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$30.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.05
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.50
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$1,600.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$1,200.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$3,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$2,500.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$500.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$147.00
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$100.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$50.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$50.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$150.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$150.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$2,400.00
Gloucester Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Gloucester's cost of living reflects its coastal charm and proximity to major urban centers. Housing costs are significant, especially in the city centre, but options outside the centre offer some relief.

Grocery prices are relatively high, with essentials like chicken and beef being particularly expensive.

Transportation is affordable, with reasonable public transport and fuel costs. However, utilities and internet services are on the higher side.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Gloucester, MA, presents a mixed cost of living scenario. While housing and groceries can be pricey, transportation remains affordable.

Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially for housing and utilities, to enjoy the city's unique lifestyle without financial strain.