Cost of living in Schenectady
Schenectady, located in New York, offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Schenectady, 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 $18 on average, with a range between $9 and $22.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $45 to $65.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $9 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $7.5, imported beer $5 to $6, cappuccino $2 to $12, and Coke/Pepsi $1.75 to $2.75.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $1.1 per liter, averaging $0.97.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.64 and $6.38, with an average price of $4.24.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3 to $7, averaging $5.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $5.51 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 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 to $6 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.5.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.79 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.09 to $2.04 per km and $25 to $30 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $1600, averaging $1300.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $800 to $1400, averaging $1100.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2200.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1000 to $1900, averaging $1450.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $2314.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $2314.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $340, averaging $211.42.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $89.95, with an average cost of $66.
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"
Schenectady offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities in New York State. Housing is moderately priced, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out can be budget-friendly, with a variety of options available. Public transportation is economical, and utility costs are reasonable.
For those considering a move, Schenectady provides a balanced lifestyle with access to urban amenities without the high costs associated with major metropolitan areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Schenectady presents a cost-effective living environment with a mix of urban and suburban elements. The city offers affordable housing, reasonable dining options, and efficient public transportation.
Whether you're a current resident or planning to move, understanding these costs can help you manage your budget effectively and enjoy what Schenectady has to offer.