Cost of living in Durham
Durham, located in North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and thriving academic community. Understanding the cost of living in Durham is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in the 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 $15 on average, with a range between $12 and $31.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $57 to $135.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $10 and $11.9.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $5 to $9, cappuccino $3 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.66 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $0.88.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.3 and $5.5, with an average price of $3.92.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.5 to $6.9, averaging $3.18.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.7 to $8.16 per kg, while oranges range from $1 to $17.64 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.8 and $7.69 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.69 to $5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0 and $1, with a monthly pass priced between $0 and $36.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.77 and $0.97 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.86 to $4.97 per km and $30 to $35 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1850 to $1900, averaging $1875.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1400 to $1500, averaging $1433.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2420 to $2800, averaging $2573.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2250 to $2400, averaging $2325.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $2691.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $2691.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $108.35 and $650, averaging $185.06.
- Internet - Internet services range from $55 to $100, with an average cost of $73.33.
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"
Durham offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Dining out is reasonably priced, with a variety of options available.
Grocery prices are moderate, though some items like imported goods can be more expensive. Transportation costs are low, especially for public transit.
Housing is affordable, particularly outside the city centre, making it an attractive option for families and individuals alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Durham, NC, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and transportation options. While some grocery items and dining experiences can vary in price, the overall expenses are manageable.
This makes Durham an appealing choice for those seeking a vibrant community with a reasonable cost of living. Whether you're a student, professional, or family, Durham offers a welcoming environment with diverse opportunities.