Cost of living in Worcester
Worcester, located in Massachusetts, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Understanding the cost of living in Worcester is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15 on average, with a range between $15 and $31.
- 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 $95.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.4, with a range between $9.79 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $8, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $3 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $1.75 to $2.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $0.96.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.64 and $6.38, with an average price of $3.75.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3 to $7, averaging $3.72.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $5.05 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $4.45 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.65 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $2.79 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0 and $1.8.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.79 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $2.04 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1400 to $2000, averaging $1637.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1300 to $2000, averaging $1616.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $3500, averaging $2457.14.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1800 to $3000, averaging $2190.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2475.7 to $2939, averaging $2707.35.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2368.06 to $2939, averaging $2653.53.
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 $50 to $80, 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"
Worcester offers a moderate cost of living with affordable dining options and reasonable grocery prices.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Transportation is relatively inexpensive, especially for public transport, making it a cost-effective option for commuting.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Worcester, MA, presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, the overall expenses for dining, groceries, and transportation remain manageable.
Potential residents should consider their housing preferences and transportation needs when planning their budget.