By Saurabh Goel
The cost of living in the USA has seen significant changes in 2024, with various factors such as inflation and market dynamics influencing expenses across the country. In 2024, the average monthly cost for a single person’s monthly expenses is about $1,171 without rent (Numbeo – World Population Review).
Here is a comprehensive guide on the cost of living in the USA in 2024, offering insights into regional variations, and more.
- East Coast
New England: Boston, Providence, Hartford
Mid-Atlantic: New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C.
Southeast: Miami, Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando
Rent Costs: Renting an apartment in New York City costs around $3,400 per month, and in Boston, it averages about $2,900 per month. Places like Baltimore and Providence have more moderate rents, averaging between $1,500 and $1,700 per month.
Transportation Expenses: Transportation costs in New York City, a monthly subway pass is about $127, but in smaller cities like Providence, it’s closer to $70.
Food and Grocery Prices: Buying groceries or eating out is also more expensive on the East Coast. For example, dining out in New York City can cost you about $75 for a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant.
Utilities and Internet Costs: Utility bills usually range from $150 to $200 per month in cities like Boston and New York. Internet service costs about $60 to $70 per month
- West Coast
Pacific Northwest: Seattle, Portland
California: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento
Rent Costs: Rent in San Francisco has some of the highest rents, with the average monthly rent around $3,795, while in Los Angeles, it’s about $3,515. In the Pacific Northwest, Seattle’s average rent is around $2,903, and Portland is somewhat lower at approximately $2,302.
Transportation Expenses: Transportation costs in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, a monthly pass costs about $100. (World Population Review) (RentData).
Food and Grocery Prices: Food and grocery prices in California cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, are around 10-15% more on groceries compared to other parts of the country. (RentData) (Rent).
Utilities and Internet Costs: Utility costs, including electricity, heating, and water, average around $150 to $200 per month in cities like San Francisco and Seattle. Internet service costs about $60 to $70 per month for a basic package (RentData) (Rent).
- Midwest and Northern Plains
Great Lakes: Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee
Central Plains: Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha
Dakotas: Fargo, Sioux Falls
Nebraska and Iowa: Lincoln, Des Moines
Rent Costs: The average rent in Chicago is about $1,700 per month, while in smaller cities like Fargo, North Dakota, it’s around $878 per month (Rent)(ApartmentAdvisor).
Transportation Expenses: A monthly public transportation pass in Chicago costs about $105, whereas in smaller cities like Omaha, it’s around $55. (Rent) (ApartmentAdvisor).
Food and Grocery Prices: Grocery costs in Minneapolis are around 5% lower than the national average. Dining out is also more affordable, with a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costing about $60 (Rent) (World Population Review).
Utilities and Internet Costs: Utilities in the Midwest cost around $150 per month. Internet services average about $50 to $60 per month for a basic package (Rent) (World Population Review).
- South and Mountain States
Deep South: New Orleans, Birmingham, Memphis
Southwest: Dallas, Houston, Austin, San Antonio
Rocky Mountains: Denver, Salt Lake City, Boise
Desert Southwest: Phoenix, Las Vegas, Albuquerque
Rent Costs: The average rent in Dallas is around $1,450 per month, while in Phoenix, it’s approximately $1,985. In the Rocky Mountain region, Denver’s average rent is about $1,750 per month (RentData) (World Population Review).
Transportation Expenses: In cities like Houston and Dallas, a monthly public transportation pass costs around $70. (World Population Review) (Rent).
Food and Grocery Prices: Grocery prices in Albuquerque are about 5% lower than the national average. Dining out is also affordable, with a mid-range restaurant meal for two costing around $50 in cities like Memphis and New Orleans (RentData) (World Population Review).
Utilities and Internet Costs: Utility costs, average around $150 to $200 per month in cities like Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Internet service costs around $50 to $60 per month for a basic package (World Population Review)(Rent).
Conclusion
Understanding the cost of living in the USA in 2024 is crucial for making informed financial decisions, especially if you are an international student.
By understanding these regional differences, you can better plan your budget and make choices that align with your financial goals and lifestyle preferences.
(Author is CEO & Co-Founder, amber)
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