Cost of living in Cape Girardeau
Cape Girardeau, located in Missouri, is a city known for its rich history and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning to budget effectively.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, 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 $17.5 on average, with a range between $13 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $50 to $140.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $7, with a range between $7 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $9, imported beer $4.5 to $11.5, cappuccino $4.5 to $10, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.74 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $0.74.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $5.51, with an average price of $2.2.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.89 to $6, averaging $3.33.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $1.52 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.21 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.25 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.71 and $0.95 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5, with a cost of $1.55 to $2.8 per km and $21 to $50 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $700 to $850, averaging $787.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $750 to $850, averaging $816.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1400 to $1600, averaging $1466.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1175 to $2000, averaging $1658.33.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $113.33 and $280, averaging $171.42.
- Internet - Internet services range from $55 to $120, with an average cost of $72.18.
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
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Cape Girardeau offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Housing costs are moderate, with a variety of options both in and outside the city centre.
Dining out can be economical, especially at casual restaurants, while transportation costs remain low, particularly for gasoline.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like milk and bread being quite affordable, while others, such as certain fruits, can be more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cape Girardeau presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a range of budgets. The city offers affordable housing and transportation, making it an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle.
Potential residents should consider the variability in grocery prices and dining costs when planning their budgets. Overall, Cape Girardeau is a city that combines affordability with a high quality of life.