Cost of living in Chattanooga
Chattanooga, located in Tennessee, is known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community. 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 various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you make informed decisions.
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 $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70, with prices ranging from $60 to $140.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9 and $12.99.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.5 to $10, imported beer $4 to $15, cappuccino $4.5 to $10, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $6.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.09.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.65 and $5.51, with an average price of $3.31.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.89 to $6, averaging $3.33.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $13.23 per kg, while oranges range from $1.52 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.21 and $5.51 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.25 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2 and $5, with a monthly pass priced at $50.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.72 and $0.95 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.75, with a cost of $1.55 to $2.8 per km and $21 to $50 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $900 to $1700, averaging $1325.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1000 to $1450, averaging $1187.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2800, averaging $2183.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1850 to $2000, averaging $1950.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $1722.23 to $2271, averaging $1996.61.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $1291.67 to $2271, averaging $1781.33.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $113.33 and $300, averaging $171.42.
- Internet - Internet services range from $55 to $120, with an average cost of $67.66.
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"
Chattanooga offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Housing costs are moderate, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out can be economical, with a variety of options ranging from inexpensive to mid-range restaurants.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with affordable public transport and fuel prices. However, owning a car can be costly due to high vehicle prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chattanooga presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and dining options. While transportation and utilities are reasonably priced, potential residents should consider the costs of owning a vehicle.
Overall, Chattanooga is an attractive option for those seeking a city with a moderate cost of living and a high quality of life.