Cost of living in College Station
College Station, located in Texas, is known for its vibrant community and as the home of Texas A&M University. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for students, professionals, and families considering relocation.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $13 on average, with a range between $10 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70, with prices ranging from $40 to $130.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8.5, with a range between $6.5 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $7.5, imported beer $5 to $12, cappuccino $3 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.27 per liter, averaging $0.93.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.65 and $5.51, with an average price of $2.89.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.58 to $5, averaging $2.86.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.54 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.29 to $11.4 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.85 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1 and $7, with a monthly pass priced between $0 and $45.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.67 and $0.9 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.5, with a cost of $1.86 to $3.73 per km and $30 to $65 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 $2400, averaging $1250.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $760 to $1300, averaging $960.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2400, averaging $1937.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1680 to $2500, averaging $1846.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $2153.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $2153.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $129.35 and $360, averaging $188.4.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $122, with an average cost of $63.1.
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"
College Station offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Dining out is reasonably priced, especially at casual restaurants.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Transportation is affordable, with low costs for public transport and gasoline. However, taxi fares can add up quickly.
Grocery prices are moderate, with some variation in the cost of fresh produce and dairy products.
Conclusion
Overall, College Station provides a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for students and families alike.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, options outside the centre offer more affordable alternatives.
With reasonable dining and transportation costs, residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without excessive expenses.