Cost of living in Southbridge
Southbridge, located in Massachusetts, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessibility to larger urban areas. Understanding the cost of living in Southbridge is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to this quaint town.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing, helping you make informed financial decisions.
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 $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $55 to $200.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.4, with a range between $9.79 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $12, imported beer $5 to $13, cappuccino $3 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.75 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $0.96.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.64 and $7, with an average price of $3.75.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $7, averaging $3.72.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $13.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.65 and $7.72 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $4.5 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.79 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.6, with a cost of $1.74 to $3.73 per km and $28 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $30,000 and $35,783.94, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $23,000 to $26,187.44.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $340, averaging $156.67.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $125, with an average cost of $64.6.
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"
Southbridge offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable prices for dining and groceries. However, dining at mid-range restaurants can be quite expensive.
Transportation costs are relatively low, especially for gasoline, but purchasing a new car can be a significant expense.
Utilities are moderately priced, and internet services are competitively priced compared to other regions.
Conclusion
Overall, Southbridge, MA, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable options in dining and transportation. While some areas like mid-range dining and new car purchases can be costly, the town offers a generally moderate expense profile.
Potential residents should consider these factors when planning their budget, especially if they are looking to enjoy the local dining scene or need to purchase a vehicle.