Cost of living in Salem
Salem, Massachusetts, is a city known for its rich history and vibrant culture. Understanding the cost of living in Salem is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this historic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $25 on average, with a range between $20 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $100, with prices ranging from $60 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $8, imported beer $6 to $8, cappuccino $4 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $1.25.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.31 and $5.5, with an average price of $4.4.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3 to $5, averaging $4.33.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.84 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges average $3.31 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.18 and $6.59 per kg, and lettuce costs $2 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.49, with a monthly pass priced between $40 and $70.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.85 and $1.32 per liter.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $3000, averaging $2366.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1600 to $2500, averaging $1966.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2800 to $5000, averaging $3766.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2200 to $3500, averaging $2833.33.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $5381.96.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $4843.76.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $130.33 and $210, averaging $170.17.
- Internet - Internet services range from $70 to $100, with an average cost of $83.33.
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
"Key Takeaways"
Salem, MA, offers a diverse range of living costs, with housing being a significant expense, especially in the city centre.
Dining out can be relatively expensive, particularly at mid-range restaurants, while grocery prices are moderate.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with affordable public transport options and gasoline prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Salem, MA, presents a cost of living that balances between moderate and high, depending on lifestyle choices.
Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially for housing and dining, while taking advantage of the city's efficient public transport system to manage expenses.