Cost of living in Charlottesville
Charlottesville, located in the heart of Virginia, is known for its rich history and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving here or planning a visit.
The cost of living encompasses various aspects such as housing, transportation, groceries, and dining, all of which contribute to the overall expenses one might incur while residing in Charlottesville.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15 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 $80, with prices ranging from $70 to $130.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $13, with a range between $10 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $10, imported beer $4 to $12, cappuccino $3.5 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $1.16.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.95.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4 to $6, averaging $4.76.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.86 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $4.41 to $9.92 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $4.41 and $8.82 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.75 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (Monthly Pass) - A monthly pass for local transport is priced at $150.
- 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 $1700 to $3000, averaging $2200.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1400 to $2700, averaging $1750.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2200 to $4500, averaging $3056.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1900 to $3800, averaging $2572.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is $2777.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is $2777.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $250 and $300, averaging $288.33.
- Internet - Internet services range from $90 to $120, with an average cost of $111.33.
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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Charlottesville offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices in Charlottesville are relatively moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being affordable.
Transportation costs are manageable, with public transport and fuel prices being reasonable.
Housing in Charlottesville can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but options outside the centre offer more affordable alternatives.
Utilities and internet services are on the higher side, which should be considered when budgeting for monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Charlottesville presents a mixed cost of living scenario. While dining and groceries are reasonably priced, housing and utilities can be on the higher side.
Prospective residents should carefully consider their budget, especially if planning to live in the city centre. Overall, Charlottesville offers a vibrant lifestyle with a variety of amenities, making it a desirable place to live despite the higher costs in certain areas.