Cost of living in Northampton
Northampton, MA, is a vibrant city known for its cultural richness and scenic beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Northampton, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
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 $80 to $180.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7, with a range between $7 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $3 to $12, cappuccino $4 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.7 and $4 per liter, averaging $1.26.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.98 and $6.01, with an average price of $3.46.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.07 to $8, averaging $5.66.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $8 per kg, while oranges range from $2.65 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
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 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 ranges from $1900 to $2200, averaging $2050.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $2000, averaging $1750.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2300 to $3000, averaging $2650.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2700 to $3000, averaging $2850.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $110.5 and $400, averaging $133.5.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, 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
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Rent Per Month
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Northampton offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Northampton can be quite variable, with some items like milk and bread showing a wide range in cost.
Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being relatively stable.
Housing in Northampton is moderately priced, with city centre apartments being more expensive than those outside the centre.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, though utility costs can vary widely.
Conclusion
Overall, Northampton, MA, presents a balanced cost of living with moderate expenses across most categories.
While dining and housing in the city centre can be on the higher side, there are affordable options available, especially outside the city centre.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget to make the most of living in this vibrant city.