Cost of living in Allentown
Allentown, located in Pennsylvania, is a city known for its rich history and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in Allentown is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the area.
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 $20 on average, with a range between $6.6 and $55.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $87.5, with prices ranging from $40 to $250.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $7 and $16.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.5 to $11, imported beer $4.5 to $14, cappuccino $3.5 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.2.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.97 and $11.02, with an average price of $2.16.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.72 to $9, averaging $3.26.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $12.13 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $11 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.09 to $5.3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2 and $4, with a monthly pass priced between $50 and $60.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.79 and $1.29 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.5, with a cost of $1.55 to $3.26 per km and $30 to $45 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $950 to $2500, averaging $1540.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $900 to $2000, averaging $1462.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2200 to $4500, averaging $2475.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1900 to $3500, averaging $2050.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $2024.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $2024.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $90 and $300, averaging $153.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $90, with an average cost of $67.21.
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"
Allentown offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Allentown are relatively moderate, though some items like bread and cheese can be on the higher end.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with affordable public transport options and competitive fuel prices.
Housing in Allentown can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but there are more affordable options outside the centre.
Utilities and internet costs are in line with national averages, providing a balanced expense for residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Allentown presents a varied cost of living landscape, with some areas being more affordable than others.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget constraints when evaluating the cost of living in Allentown.
Overall, the city offers a mix of affordability and expense, making it a viable option for many individuals and families.