Cost of living in Columbia
Columbia, Tennessee, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or simply planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Columbia, 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 $12 on average, with a range between $10 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $45 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $8, imported beer $6 to $10, cappuccino $3.5 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.79 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.76 and $1.14 per liter, averaging $0.93.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.42 and $4.41, with an average price of $2.49.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.49 to $6, averaging $1.64.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $8.77 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.33 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.72 and $0.97 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2, with a cost of $1.37 per km and $20 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $27,000 and $36,916.9, while a Toyota Corolla is priced around $27,344.38.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1200 to $1700, averaging $1366.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1200 to $1300, averaging $1250.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1800 to $3400, averaging $2533.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2200 to $2500, averaging $2350.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $120 and $350, averaging $155.31.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $266, with an average cost of $69.4.
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"
Columbia, TN, offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities. Dining and grocery prices are moderate, making it easier to manage daily expenses.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Transportation costs are reasonable, especially for those who drive, given the lower gasoline prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Columbia, TN, provides a balanced cost of living with affordable options in dining, groceries, and transportation.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, options outside the centre offer more budget-friendly alternatives.
Overall, Columbia is an attractive option for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle without sacrificing access to amenities.