Cost of living in Killeen
Killeen, located in the heart of Texas, is a city known for its proximity to Fort Hood, one of the largest military bases in the United States. Understanding the cost of living in Killeen is crucial for both military families and civilians considering a move to this dynamic city.
The cost of living encompasses various aspects such as housing, transportation, groceries, and dining, which are essential for budgeting and financial planning. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these costs in Killeen for 2024.
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 $10 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $62.5, with prices ranging from $58 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $10 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $3 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $1.98 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.68 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $0.94.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $5.51, with an average price of $1.44.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $6, averaging $3.12.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.14 to $8.8 per kg, while oranges range from $1.65 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $2.72 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (Monthly Pass) - A monthly pass for local transport is priced at $25.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.67 and $0.99 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.74 to $3.73 per km and $24 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $750 to $1600, averaging $1175.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $700 to $1800, averaging $1170.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1200 to $2300, averaging $1750.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1350 to $2500, averaging $1787.5.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $1841.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $1841.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $400, averaging $239.11.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, with an average cost of $67.5.
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"
Killeen offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Texas cities. Housing is moderately priced, especially outside the city centre.
Dining out can vary significantly in cost, with options ranging from budget-friendly fast food to more expensive dining experiences.
Transportation costs are low, with affordable public transport and gasoline prices. However, owning a car may still be necessary for convenience.
Grocery prices are reasonable, with some variation in the cost of fresh produce and meats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Killeen, TX, presents a balanced cost of living that can accommodate a variety of lifestyles. The city offers affordable housing options, especially for those willing to live outside the city centre.
While dining and grocery costs are manageable, transportation remains a key consideration for residents. Overall, Killeen is an attractive option for individuals and families seeking a cost-effective living environment in Texas.