Cost of living in Alexandria
Alexandria, VA, is a vibrant city known for its rich history and proximity to Washington, D.C. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning to budget effectively.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Alexandria, 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 $30 on average, with a range between $20 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $70 to $130.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $13.5, with a range between $12 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $10, imported beer $5 to $12, cappuccino $3.5 to $10, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $2 per liter, averaging $1.07.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $5, with an average price of $3.71.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $5.59, averaging $3.15.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.86 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $4.39 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.18 and $5.51 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.99 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.5 and $6, with a monthly pass priced between $25 and $90.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.78 and $1.03 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $2.02 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $2750, averaging $2362.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1650 to $2300, averaging $1912.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3200 to $4000, averaging $3560.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2400 to $3200, averaging $2920.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3337 to $6673.62, averaging $5005.31.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3337 to $5812.51, averaging $4574.76.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $90 and $350, averaging $217.5.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $120, with an average cost of $72.
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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Rent Per Month
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Buy Apartment Price
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
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"Key Takeaways"
Alexandria, VA, presents a relatively high cost of living, particularly in housing and dining. Rent prices are significant, especially in the city centre.
Dining out can be expensive, with even casual meals costing more than in many other cities. However, public transportation offers a more affordable option for getting around.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like milk and bread being reasonably priced, while others, such as fruits and vegetables, can be more costly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living in Alexandria, VA, requires careful budgeting, especially for housing and dining expenses. The city offers a high quality of life with its historical charm and proximity to Washington, D.C., but this comes at a premium.
Prospective residents should consider their financial situation and explore cost-saving measures, such as utilizing public transportation and shopping smartly for groceries, to manage living expenses effectively.