Cost of living in Amherst
Amherst, located in Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Amherst is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in this area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you make informed financial decisions.
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 $18 and $60.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $120, with prices ranging from $75 to $180.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $16.5, with a range between $13 and $20.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $7, imported beer $5 to $9, cappuccino $4 to $10, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
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 $2.2 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 $2.2 to $6.61 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 $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.99 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.78 and $1.02 per liter.
- Car Purchase (e.g., Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla) - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $39,000 and $50,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $20,425 to $25,953.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool or kindergarten is between $1,500 and $2,000 monthly.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school is $24,000.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $103.53 and $400, averaging $209.51.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $100, with an average cost of $72.5.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $43 and $180 monthly.
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"
Amherst, VA, presents a moderate cost of living with varied expenses across different categories.
Dining out can be relatively expensive, especially at mid-range restaurants.
Grocery prices are generally affordable, with some variation in fresh produce costs.
Transportation costs are manageable, with competitive fuel prices and a range of car purchase options.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, though mobile phone plans can vary significantly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Amherst offers a balanced cost of living with opportunities to manage expenses effectively.
While dining and certain utilities may be on the higher side, affordable grocery and transportation options help offset these costs.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget to make the most of living in Amherst.