Cost of living in Bethlehem
Bethlehem, located in Pennsylvania, is a city known for its rich history and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in Bethlehem is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
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 $12 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $50 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8, with a range between $8 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $6, imported beer $6 to $9, cappuccino $4 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.73 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $1.06.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $7.72, with an average price of $3.97.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.39 to $5, averaging $4.17.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $16.53 per kg, while oranges range from $1.1 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.32 and $8.8 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.49 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2, with a monthly pass priced at $60.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.05 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5, with a cost of $3 per km and $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 $1200 to $1695, averaging $1507.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1000 to $1795, averaging $1300.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $2400, averaging $2093.75.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1800 to $2300, averaging $1979.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $2024, averaging $2012.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1700 to $2024, averaging $1862.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $200 and $300, averaging $227.
- Internet - Internet services range from $25 to $125, with an average cost of $61.
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"
Bethlehem offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable housing and utility costs. Dining out can be affordable, especially at casual restaurants.
Transportation costs are manageable, with public transport and fuel prices being relatively low. Grocery prices vary, with some items like bread and fruits being on the higher side.
Overall, Bethlehem provides a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for families and individuals alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bethlehem, PA, presents a cost of living that is accessible for many, with a variety of options for housing, dining, and transportation.
Whether you're planning to move or just curious about the expenses, Bethlehem offers a welcoming environment with a cost structure that supports a comfortable lifestyle.