Cost of living in Lowell
Lowell, Massachusetts, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Understanding the cost of living in Lowell is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in various categories, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
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 $15 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $70 to $180.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9, with a range between $8 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8.5, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.99 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.7 and $4 per liter, averaging $0.85.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.98 and $6.01, with an average price of $2.19.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.07 to $8, averaging $2.95.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $8 per kg, while oranges range from $5 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.2 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.5 to $3.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.25, with a monthly pass priced at $55.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.83 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1600.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1500.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $3700.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2800 to $3500, averaging $3150.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3519.8.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $250 and $400, averaging $280.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $120, with an average cost of $59.17.
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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Lowell offers a moderate cost of living with relatively affordable housing compared to larger cities.
Dining out can vary significantly in price, offering options for both budget-friendly and upscale experiences.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with affordable public transport and fuel prices.
Grocery prices show a wide range, allowing for flexibility in budgeting for food expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lowell, MA, presents a balanced cost of living with opportunities for both affordable and premium lifestyle choices.
Whether you're considering moving to Lowell or are already a resident, understanding these costs can help you manage your budget effectively and enjoy what the city has to offer.