Cost of living in Lansing
Lansing, the capital city of Michigan, offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Understanding the cost of living in Lansing 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 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 $9 and $50.
- 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 $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $4.5 to $10, cappuccino $1.75 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $1.75 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.63 and $4 per liter, averaging $0.87.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.87 and $3.85, with an average price of $2.75.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $4, averaging $2.9.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $1.76 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.32 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.25 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.5, with a monthly pass priced between $30 and $35.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.77 and $1.05 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $0.93 to $1.4 per km and $20 to $48 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $505 to $1300, averaging $900.83.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $505 to $1100, averaging $775.83.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1400 to $2400, averaging $1950.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $850 to $1800, averaging $1200.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1291.67 to $1475, averaging $1383.33.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1291.67 to $1475, averaging $1383.33.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $119 and $308, averaging $157.57.
- Internet - Internet services range from $30 to $200, with an average cost of $58.33.
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.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Lansing offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Housing costs are moderate, with a variety of options available both in the city centre and outside.
Dining out can be economical, especially at casual restaurants, while transportation costs are kept low with affordable public transit options.
Grocery prices are generally reasonable, though some items like imported goods may vary significantly in price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lansing, MI, presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a wide range of budgets. The city provides affordable housing, economical dining options, and reasonable transportation costs.
Whether you're planning to move to Lansing or are already a resident, understanding these costs can help you manage your finances effectively and enjoy what the city has to offer.