Cost of living in Alpena
Alpena, located in Michigan, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living in Alpena is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to this picturesque city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and utilities, 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 $17 on average.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer averages $4, imported beer $5.5, cappuccino $4.5, and Coke/Pepsi $2.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.96 and $1.06 per liter, averaging $1.01.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $2.41 on average.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs average $2.68.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $5.51 per kg, while oranges average $3.86 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes average $3.31 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.49 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced at $1.12 per liter.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $800 to $1300, averaging $1050.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $950.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2500, averaging $2000.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1100.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment average $320.
- Internet - Internet services average $60.
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"
Alpena offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with moderate housing and utility costs.
Dining out is reasonably priced, making it accessible for residents to enjoy local restaurants.
Grocery prices are competitive, with essentials like milk and bread being affordable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alpena, MI, presents a balanced cost of living that is attractive for individuals and families seeking a small-town atmosphere with manageable expenses.
Whether you're planning to move or simply budgeting for the future, understanding these costs can help you make informed financial decisions in Alpena.