Cost of living in Harrisonburg
Harrisonburg, located in the heart of Virginia, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning to budget effectively.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Harrisonburg, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $10 on average, with a range between $8 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $45, with prices ranging from $30 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9, with a range between $8 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $6 to $9, cappuccino $3 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $1.99 to $2.75.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.53 and $1.06 per liter, averaging $0.66.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.97 and $4.73, with an average price of $2.09.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.75 to $3.88, averaging $2.75.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.28 to $13.23 per kg, while oranges range from $2.76 to $17.64 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.96 and $8.8 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.48 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.78 and $1 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.55 per km and $22.5 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1200.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $750 to $1600, averaging $1100.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1700.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1100.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $2099.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $2099.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $274.48, averaging $164.46.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $120, with an average cost of $71.66.
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"
Harrisonburg offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with moderate prices in dining and housing.
Transportation costs are reasonable, especially for gasoline, making it easier for residents to commute.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like fruits and vegetables showing a wide range in costs, suggesting opportunities for budget-conscious shopping.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Harrisonburg, VA, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and dining options.
While some grocery items can be pricey, overall expenses remain manageable, making it an attractive option for individuals and families alike.
Potential residents should consider their lifestyle needs and budget accordingly to make the most of what Harrisonburg has to offer.