Cost of living in East Lansing
East Lansing, located in Michigan, is a vibrant city known for its educational institutions and lively community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for students, professionals, and families considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in East Lansing, covering dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities 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 $15 on average, with a range between $10 and $21.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70, with prices ranging from $40 to $80.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $8 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.5 to $7, imported beer $5 to $8, cappuccino $2 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $1.75 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.63 and $1.06 per liter, averaging $0.94.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.64 and $3.85, with an average price of $3.05.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $3, averaging $2.5.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.87 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.25 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.25 and $2, with a monthly pass priced at $50.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.77 and $0.99 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $10, with additional costs per km not specified.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $1500, averaging $1233.33.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $900 to $1300, averaging $1066.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1800 to $2400, averaging $2050.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $1700, averaging $1625.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1475 to $3000, averaging $2237.5.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1475 to $1668.81, averaging $1571.91.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $250, averaging $157.57.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $120, with an average cost of $63.33.
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.
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"Key Takeaways"
East Lansing offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable housing and dining expenses. Public transportation is affordable, and utilities are moderately priced.
For those looking to save, consider living outside the city centre where rental prices are lower. Dining at inexpensive restaurants and using public transport can also help manage costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, East Lansing provides a balanced cost of living suitable for students and families alike. With affordable dining and transportation options, it is possible to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
Prospective residents should consider their housing preferences and transportation needs to optimize their budget effectively.