Cost of living in Pontiac
Pontiac, located in Michigan, is a city with a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses in Pontiac, 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 $20 on average, with a range between $18 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $50 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.99, with a range between $8.5 and $10.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $6, imported beer $4 to $8, cappuccino $1.5 to $5, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.55 and $1 per liter, averaging $0.78.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.65 and $4.68, with an average price of $2.7.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.39 to $2.75, averaging $2.31.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.76 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $7.25 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.65 and $8.82 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.25 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $5.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.71 and $0.97 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.55 to $2.5 per km and $21 to $40 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1000.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $900.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1500.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1300.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $1722.23.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $1291.67.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $110 and $844.55, averaging $199.29.
- Internet - Internet services range from $58 to $86, with an average cost of $65.57.
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"
Pontiac offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Housing is moderately priced, with rental and purchase options available both in the city centre and outside.
Dining out can be economical, especially with a variety of options ranging from fast food to mid-range restaurants. Grocery prices are competitive, making it feasible to maintain a balanced budget.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transport and fuel prices being manageable. Utilities and internet services are also within a moderate range, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Pontiac.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pontiac, MI, presents a balanced cost of living that is attractive for individuals and families alike. The city offers a mix of affordable housing, reasonable dining and grocery prices, and manageable transportation and utility costs.
Whether you're considering moving to Pontiac or are already a resident, understanding these costs can help you make informed financial decisions and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this vibrant city.