Cost of living in Brainerd
Brainerd, located in Minnesota, is a city known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community life. Understanding the cost of living in Brainerd is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to this charming city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, 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 $13 on average, with a range between $9 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $45 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $11.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $1.89 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.95 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.03.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.08 and $4.96, with an average price of $2.97.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.99 to $12, averaging $2.49.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.86 to $19.84 per kg, while oranges range from $3.86 to $17.64 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $3.28 and $8.82 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.89 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (Monthly Pass) - A monthly pass for local transport is priced at $40.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.75 and $0.95 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.55 per km.
Housing Costs
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $2303.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is also $2303.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $88.1 and $320.47, averaging $159.44.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $80, with an average cost of $59.34.
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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Brainerd offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger urban areas, with moderate prices in dining and groceries.
Housing costs are consistent whether buying in the city centre or outside, making it an attractive option for potential homeowners.
Transportation and utility costs are reasonable, contributing to the overall affordability of living in Brainerd.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brainerd, MN, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining, grocery, and transportation options.
The consistent housing prices across different areas provide flexibility for potential residents. Overall, Brainerd is a cost-effective choice for those seeking a comfortable lifestyle in a scenic setting.