Cost of living in Somerville
Somerville, located in Massachusetts, is a vibrant city known for its diverse community and proximity to Boston. Understanding the cost of living in Somerville is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, 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 $25 on average, with a range between $15 and $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $110, with prices ranging from $70 to $180.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $4 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $1.33.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.98 and $6.01, with an average price of $4.41.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.07 to $6, averaging $4.4.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $8 per kg, while oranges range from $2.6 to $13.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.76 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.49 to $3.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.2 and $2.4, with a monthly pass priced at $90.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.7, with a cost of $1.74 to $3.73 per km and $28 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2650 to $3200, averaging $2866.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2600 to $2750, averaging $2675.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3900 to $5500, averaging $4533.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3900 to $5500, averaging $4466.67.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $5381.96 to $9687.52, averaging $7534.74.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $4843.76 to $6458.35, averaging $5651.05.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $122.78 and $303.57, averaging $218.62.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $100, with an average cost of $72.31.
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"
Somerville offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices in Somerville are relatively high, particularly for fresh produce and dairy products.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable public transport options and competitive fuel prices.
Housing in Somerville is expensive, especially in the city centre, reflecting its proximity to Boston and high demand.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to the overall cost of living.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Somerville, MA, is notably high, driven by expensive housing and dining costs. However, the city offers a vibrant lifestyle with diverse amenities and proximity to Boston.
Potential residents should budget carefully, particularly for housing and groceries, and explore public transportation options to manage expenses effectively.