Cost of living in Meridian
Meridian, located in Mississippi, offers a unique blend of Southern charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
In this guide, we break down the various expenses associated with living in Meridian, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $25 on average, with a range between $15 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $107.5, with prices ranging from $85 to $213.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $12 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $7.09, imported beer $6 to $9, cappuccino $2.5 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $5.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.98 per liter, averaging $1.27.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.19 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.79.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $5.09, averaging $3.45.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.62 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.05 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.65 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $2.61 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.74 and $0.92 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.5, with a cost of $1.49 per km and $35 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $36,000 and $38,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $26,000 to $30,000.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is approximately $1,563.89 per month.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - The yearly cost for international primary school is $10,230.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $106.25 and $375, averaging $209.08.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $93, with an average cost of $70.24.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $43 and $90, averaging $54.57.
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.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Meridian offers a moderate cost of living with affordable dining and grocery options.
Transportation costs are relatively low, especially for gasoline, making it easier for residents to commute.
Housing and utility costs are manageable, but private education can be a significant expense for families.
Conclusion
Overall, Meridian, MS, provides a balanced cost of living with reasonable expenses across various categories.
While some costs, such as private education, can be high, the city remains an attractive option for those seeking a mix of affordability and quality of life.