The Bronx, a vibrant borough of New York City, offers a unique blend of urban living and cultural diversity. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in the Bronx, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

  • Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $21 on average, with a range between $17 and $25.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $65, with prices ranging from $55 to $75.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $12.
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) - Imported beer is priced at $4 per bottle.
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) - A bottle of Coke or Pepsi costs between $1 and $3, averaging $1.83.
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) - Bottled water is priced between $1 and $1.1, averaging $1.03.
  • Cappuccino (regular) - A regular cappuccino costs around $2.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.06 and $3.16 per liter, averaging $1.35.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.74 and $5.51, with an average price of $4.31.
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) - Domestic beer is consistently priced at $1.73 per bottle.
  • Cigarettes (20 Pack, Marlboro) - A pack of Marlboro cigarettes costs between $12 and $15, averaging $13.5.
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets are priced at $14 per kilogram.

Transportation

  • Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.75 and $2.9, averaging $2.83.
  • Monthly Pass - A monthly public transport pass costs $132.
  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.89 and $0.97 per liter, averaging $0.96.
  • Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) - The starting fare for a taxi is $2.5.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1975 to $3500, averaging $2343.75.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1675 to $3200, averaging $2518.75.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2600 to $7000, averaging $4166.67.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2200 to $5000, averaging $3600.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $10225.71.
  • Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $7534.74.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $475 on average.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $47 to $55, with an average cost of $50.67.
  • Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $40 and $87, averaging $56.25.
Worldwide
United States

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024
Full Cost of Living Rankings

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 22 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$21.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$65.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$11.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.83
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.03
Cappuccino (regular)
$2.00
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.35
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$4.31
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.73
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$13.50
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$14.00
Transportation
Avg / Range
One-way Ticket (Local Transport)
$2.83
Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$132.00
Gasoline (1 liter)
$0.96
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.50
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$2,343.75
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$2,518.75
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$4,166.67
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$3,600.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$475.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$50.67
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$56.25
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Fitness Club, Monthly Fee for 1 Adult
$80.00
Tennis Court Rent (1 Hour on Weekend)
$45.00
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$14.00
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$125.00
Buy Apartment Price
Avg / Range
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment in City Centre
$10,225.71
Price per Square Meter to Buy Apartment Outside of Centre
$7,534.74
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,625.00
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6.82%
Bronx Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

The Bronx offers a diverse range of living costs, with housing being a significant expense, especially in the city centre.

Dining out can be affordable, with a variety of options from inexpensive meals to mid-range dining experiences.

Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport being a viable option for daily commuting.

Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall cost of living.

Conclusion

Living in the Bronx, NY, presents a mix of affordability and expense, depending on lifestyle choices and location preferences.

While housing costs can be high, especially in the city centre, there are opportunities to manage expenses through careful budgeting in other areas such as dining and transportation.

Overall, the Bronx offers a vibrant urban lifestyle with diverse amenities, making it an attractive option for many residents.