Cost of living in Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre, located in Pennsylvania, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and urban amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving here or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, 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 $20 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 $50, with prices ranging from $50 to $140.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $10 and $17.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $10, imported beer $8 to $10, cappuccino $3.8 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.31 per liter, averaging $1.08.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $5.51, with an average price of $4.04.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $5, averaging $4.23.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4.41 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $3.31 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.07 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.07 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.5.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $6, with a cost of $1.86 to $3 per km and $42 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1600.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $300, averaging $180.
- Internet - Internet services range from $29 to $100, with an average cost of $57.33.
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.
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"Key Takeaways"
Wilkes-Barre offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Dining out can be budget-friendly, especially at casual restaurants.
Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in fresh produce costs. Transportation is economical, with low public transport and fuel costs.
Housing remains affordable, particularly for larger apartments in the city centre. Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to manageable monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wilkes-Barre presents a cost-effective living environment with a balance of affordable housing, dining, and transportation options.
This makes it an attractive choice for families and individuals seeking a comfortable lifestyle without the high costs associated with larger cities.