Cost of living in Arlington
Arlington, VA, is a vibrant city known for its proximity to Washington, D.C., and its diverse community. Understanding the cost of living in Arlington is crucial for anyone considering moving to or living in the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, 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 $20 on average, with a range between $12 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $83.75, with prices ranging from $50 to $125.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.75, with a range between $8 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $10, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $2.49 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.71 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.17.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.62 and $5.51, with an average price of $4.13.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $5.5, averaging $3.99.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $1.65 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.66 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.7 to $3.55 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2 and $3, with a monthly pass priced between $68.75 and $125.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.78 and $1.05 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.85, with a cost of $1.55 to $3.11 per km and $22 to $32 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2300 to $3500, averaging $2557.14.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1800 to $2500, averaging $2020.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $4000 to $6000, averaging $4400.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3200 to $5500, averaging $3550.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is approximately $3336.94.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is approximately $3336.94.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $70 and $309.09, averaging $185.63.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $100, with an average cost of $66.4.
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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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
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"Key Takeaways"
Arlington, VA, presents a relatively high cost of living, particularly in housing and dining. Rent prices are notably high, especially in the city centre.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being reasonable. Grocery prices vary, with some items like fresh produce being more expensive.
To save money, consider living outside the city centre and exploring local markets for groceries.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arlington, VA, offers a vibrant lifestyle with a cost of living that reflects its proximity to Washington, D.C. While housing and dining can be expensive, transportation and utilities are more manageable.
Prospective residents should budget carefully, especially for housing, and explore cost-saving opportunities in other areas to maintain a balanced lifestyle.