Cost of living in Asheville
Asheville, located in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, is known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. Understanding the cost of living in Asheville is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this charming city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $23.5 on average, with a range between $20 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $100, with prices ranging from $75 to $237.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $10, imported beer $5 to $12, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.59 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $0.86.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.3 and $6.61, with an average price of $4.32.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.78 to $5, averaging $3.03.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.8 to $8.8 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $5.51 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.38 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1 and $2, with a monthly pass priced between $20 and $80.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.77 and $0.92 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $3.11 per km and $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 $1500 to $3000, averaging $2175.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $2000, averaging $1621.43.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2500 to $5000, averaging $3714.29.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2500 to $3500, averaging $2837.5.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2690.98 to $5193.16, averaging $3704.38.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2152.78 to $4095.67, averaging $3159.15.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $120 and $350, averaging $215.33.
- Internet - Internet services range from $80 to $110, with an average cost of $94.14.
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"
Asheville offers a diverse range of living costs, with dining and housing being significant expenses. The city centre is notably more expensive for housing compared to areas outside the centre.
Transportation is relatively affordable, especially with public transport options. Grocery prices vary, with some items like milk and bread being reasonably priced.
Utilities and internet costs are moderate, but potential residents should budget accordingly for these monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Asheville presents a mixed cost of living landscape. While housing in the city centre can be pricey, there are more affordable options outside the centre.
Dining out can also be costly, but there are budget-friendly options available. Overall, Asheville is a vibrant city with a cost of living that requires careful budgeting, especially for housing and dining.