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Cost of Living Guide in United States

Complete pricing for housing, food, transportation, and everyday expenses

The United States has a higher cost of living than the North America regional average, with overall costs including rent 15.6% more expensive, consumer prices excluding rent 6.7% higher, and rent specifically 30.8% above the regional benchmark. Costs vary dramatically by city and state, from affordable spots like Decatur, Illinois ($1,559/month for a single person) to expensive hubs like New York ($5,748/month). It offers strong purchasing power and quality of life, making it worthwhile for those with higher incomes.

Estimated Monthly Budget

Frugal
$1,500–$2,200 (modest shared housing outside center, local groceries, public transport, minimal extras — viable in cheaper states like Arkansas or Ohio)
Comfortable
$2,900–$4,000 (1BR apartment, mix of home cooking and occasional dining, gym/streaming, some leisure — average across mid-tier cities)
Family of four
$6,500–$8,500 (3BR housing, international groceries, car, public/private schools, family activities)

The US delivers excellent value for money with costs 15.6% above the North America average but superior purchasing power (161+ vs NYC) and quality of life. Ideal for expats earning USD salaries, though choose locations wisely to avoid premium city premiums.

Economic & Living Costs in United States
Food & Dining Costs

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

12-40 $
Avg: 26 $
2.0% vs 3 months ago

Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant (3-course)

50-150 $
Avg: 100 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

10-15 $
Avg: 12.5 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago

Domestic Beer (0.5L draught)

4-10 $
Avg: 7 $
+7.7% vs 3 months ago
Housing & Real Estate Costs

Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre

1070-4215.09 $
Avg: 2642.55 $
+4.6% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside Centre

895-2861 $
Avg: 1878 $
-0.4% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre

1659-9425 $
Avg: 5542 $
+8.2% vs 3 months ago

Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside Centre

1455-5376.32 $
Avg: 3415.66 $
0.8% vs 3 months ago
Transportation Costs

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

1.25-4 $
Avg: 2.63 $
-4.5% vs 3 months ago

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

5.51-22.05 $
Avg: 13.78 $
0.1% vs 3 months ago

Monthly Transport Pass

35-133 $
Avg: 84 $
0.6% vs 3 months ago

Gasoline (1L)

0.72-1.31 $
Avg: 1.01 $
-3.5% vs 3 months ago
Utilities & Communications Costs

Utilities for 85m² Apartment

129.78-396 $
Avg: 262.89 $
+3.4% vs 3 months ago

Internet (60 Mbps+, Unlimited)

50-110 $
Avg: 80 $
1.9% vs 3 months ago

Mobile Plan (10GB+ Data)

30-110 $
Avg: 70 $
+7.7% vs 3 months ago
Grocery Costs

Milk (1L)

0.72-2.07 $
Avg: 1.4 $
+7.0% vs 3 months ago

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

1.99-7.02 $
Avg: 4.51 $
+3.6% vs 3 months ago

Eggs (12)

2-7.95 $
Avg: 4.98 $
0.2% vs 3 months ago

Local Cheese (1kg)

6.61-26.46 $
Avg: 16.53 $
0.0% vs 3 months ago
Entertainment & Sports Costs

Fitness Club, Monthly Fee

20-119.79 $
Avg: 69.89 $
-20.8% vs 3 months ago

Tennis Court (1 hour, weekend)

10-89.75 $
Avg: 49.88 $
+37.4% vs 3 months ago

Cinema Ticket

11-22 $
Avg: 16.5 $
+8.1% vs 3 months ago

Preschool / Kindergarten (monthly, private)

880-3389.82 $
Avg: 2134.91 $
+8.2% vs 3 months ago
Last updated: 2026-04-03

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