Cost of living in Harrisburg
Harrisburg, the capital city of Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning their budget.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Harrisburg, 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 $13 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $55, with prices ranging from $35 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8, with a range between $8 and $10.28.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.5 to $7, imported beer $6 to $9, cappuccino $4 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $1.99 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.68 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.16.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $5.51, with an average price of $3.49.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $7, averaging $4.33.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $3.5 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.32 and $3 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.99 to $2.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $3, with a monthly pass priced between $50 and $80.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.05 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $10, with a cost of $1.86 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 $1750, averaging $1550.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $696 to $1500, averaging $1148.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2500, averaging $2000.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1900 to $2100, averaging $2000.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $1776.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1345.49 to $1776, averaging $1560.74.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $120 and $300, averaging $120.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $105, with an average cost of $75.
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"
Harrisburg offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Dining out is reasonably priced, with options for both casual and upscale meals.
Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in the cost of fresh produce and staples. Transportation costs are manageable, especially with affordable public transit options.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments commanding higher rents. Utilities and internet services are competitively priced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Harrisburg presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a range of budgets. While housing in the city centre can be pricey, more affordable options are available outside the centre.
The city's dining, grocery, and transportation costs are generally reasonable, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of urban and suburban living.