Cost of living in Hickory
Hickory, located in North Carolina, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Hickory is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Hickory, 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 $15 on average, with a range between $15 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $55, with prices ranging from $50 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $6, imported beer $5.5 to $10, cappuccino $4 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.68 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $0.91.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.28 and $4.99, with an average price of $3.87.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.7 to $3.78, averaging $2.5.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $5.71 per kg, while oranges range from $3.28 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.2 and $3.31 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.75 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.25.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.77 and $0.9 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2, with a cost of $1.55 to $3.11 per km and $18 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1200.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $975.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1900.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1300.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $2088.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $2088.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $73.19 and $230, averaging $148.09.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $130, with an average cost of $80.
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
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Hickory offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with moderate housing and utility costs.
Dining out can be economical, especially at casual restaurants, while transportation costs remain low with affordable public transport and fuel prices.
Grocery prices are reasonable, making it easier for residents to manage their monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hickory, NC, provides a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles. The city offers affordable housing options, reasonable grocery prices, and low transportation costs, making it an attractive option for both families and individuals.
Whether you're planning to move to Hickory or are already a resident, understanding these costs can help you budget effectively and enjoy all that this charming city has to offer.