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With the average cost of living throughout the state hovering right at the national average, South Carolina is a friendly and mostly affordable place to live. Rich in so much history, with Civil War sites to walk through today, there’s just something magical about South Carolina.

Even better, the state has low crime rates, plenty of job opportunities, fantastic weather and all the fresh seafood you can eat. Another great state for those who love the outdoors, you’ve got the beach on one side and the mountains on the other.

If you’re thinking all of this sounds perfect, maybe South Carolina is right for your next home. It’s important to see if your budget matches up to the state’s cost of living. By checking out average prices in a few key areas, you can make an educated decision if there’s a South Carolina city that won’t put a strain on your finances.

South Carolina housing prices

The range of housing prices in South Carolina is pretty large. Some cities almost reach the national average while others are significantly below. This is good news for someone who wants to live in one of the best places in South Carolina but has a limited budget.

Charleston

Sandy beaches, a thriving downtown and oh so much history combine to make Charleston a truly special place. Not only is it pretty to look at, but this city’s seafood scene makes it a delicious place to call home. One of the most popular cities in South Carolina, it also has the highest housing prices on our list at only 5.1 percent below the national average.

Rental prices aren’t rising too quickly in Charleston, and costs are relatively low. One-bedrooms are actually more expensive, per month, than two-bedrooms. Up 8 percent over last year, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,604. Two-beds average out over $250 less. Up 7 percent over last year, they’ll currently cost you $1,353 a month.

Home prices are on the higher end, and that’s in part because of some of the amazingly large houses in the Charleston area. The median sale price here is $516,000, which is up by 16.8 percent over last year.

Columbia

The state’s capital, Columbia, offers that perfect mix of fast-paced urban and small-town feel. Home to the University of South Carolina, residents are an eclectic mix of college students, families and young professionals. The city is also quite affordable. Housing prices in Columbia are 27.2 percent below the national average.

Rent prices lay on the economical side, with prices having slowly risen since last year. One-bedroom apartments are only up 5 percent, and two-bedroom apartments rose even less at 4 percent. The average monthly price for a one-bedroom is $1,059, and $1,155 for apartments with two-bedroom apartments.

Home prices have also stayed relatively low, rising only 10 percent over last year. The median home price in Columbia is $230,000.

Greenville

As South Carolina’s fastest-growing city, Greenville is full of economic opportunity. All this potential is in a beautiful city within the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains. Downtown you’ll find plenty of shops, restaurants and a weekend farmers market. The biggest bonus? Housing is actually pretty affordable. Prices are 31 percent below the national average.

Even though rental prices and home sales are rising, you’re still paying a relatively manageable amount. One-bedroom apartments, up 18 percent over last year, have an average monthly rent of $1,422. Two-bedroom apartments, increasing at only 14 percent over last year, have an average monthly rent of $1,605.

Home prices have risen the most, up 28.4 percent, but the median sale price in Greenville is still moderate at $353,000.

Spartanburg

With small-town charm and a quieter pace, Spartanburg still provides residents with a variety of job opportunities. However, the city is still revitalizing, bringing art and culture back. That said, Spartanburg has a lot going for it, and it’s a pretty affordable place. Housing prices here are 17 percent below the national average.

The most growth, when it comes to housing in Spartanburg, is with two-bedroom apartments. Prices are up 22 percent over last year. By comparison, one-beds have only risen 3 percent, and home prices are actually down by 7.5 percent.

Still, even with this big leap, prices aren’t that high in comparison with other South Carolina cities. A two-bedroom apartment is $1,205 a month on average. One-bedrooms are $1,120, and the median home sale price in Spartanburg is $185,000.

South Carolina food prices

Comfort food with a dash of Southern charm is what’s for dinner in South Carolina. You can’t beat a big bowl of shrimp and grits, some freshly made pimento cheese on crackers and a good ol’ Low Country boil. There’s also the ability to buy fresh oysters, pulled from the Intracoastal Waterway hours before. South Carolina is delicious.

When they’re not eating out, South Carolinians spend between $200 and $233 per month on groceries. This accounts for the fact that cities across the state straddle the national average. Some are slightly below, others are slightly above.

  • Greenville is 2.7 percent below the national average
  • Spartanburg is 2.5 percent below the national average
  • Charleston is 2.6 percent above the national average
  • Columbia is 3.2 percent above the national average

What this means, when looking at individual items, is that price differential isn’t too high between cities. Fried chicken in Charleston is less than a dollar more than it costs in Greenville. Potatoes, for your Low Country boil, are less than a dollar more in Greenville than in Columbia.

Overall, ranking a total food price doesn’t always give you insight into which city will have the most expensive foods. It’s best to check what our own shopping list would cost.

Food prices also include what you’d pay for a date night. Here, the prices vary more significantly than when you’re at the grocery store. A three-course meal for two is 46 percent less in Spartanburg than in Columbia and Charleston. It’s the difference between paying $35 in Spartanburg to take your special someone out and paying $65 in both other cities.

South Carolina utility prices

Most energy produced in South Carolina is nuclear energy. Adding this utility bill in with the other big ones — gas, water and internet, South Carolina cities are kind of all over the scale.

  • Greenville is 4.8 percent below the national average
  • Spartanburg is 3.9 percent below the national average
  • Charleston is 16.9 percent above the national average
  • Columbia is 31.2 percent above the national average

When it comes to the actual bills, Columbia has the highest monthly power bill, on average at $270.54. Greenville has the lowest at $160.93.

South Carolina transportation prices

Transportation prices take into consideration all the costs you’d have getting around town. Of course, walking and biking are usually free, but Charleston is really the only city on the list with high walk (63) and bike (64) scores. For most everyone else, it’s car ownership and/or public transportation.

Looking at overall transportation prices:

  • Columbia is 21.4 percent below the national average
  • Charleston is 3.6 percent below the national average
  • Greenville is 3 percent below the national average
  • Spartanburg is 2.8 percent above the national average

Columbia’s prices are so very low as a result of its public transportation network. You can get to almost anywhere in town without having to drive a car. Other cities do provide accessible public transportation that does what it can to move you through the city minus owning a vehicle.

Spartanburg SPARTA

Maybe not the most original name, but the Spartanburg Area Regional Transit Agency, or SPARTA provides bus service throughout the city. Consisting of eight routes, a single fare is $1.25.

Ride passes are also available, so you can find the best deal. For example, a five-day and 10-day pass cost the same at $11.25. A 31-day pass is $37.50.

Greenville Greenlink

Consisting of 12 fixed bus routes moving across Greenville County and a free downtown trolley, Greenlink has its bases covered. To ride the bus, a single fare is $1.50, a day pass is $5 and a 31-day pass is $50.

The trolley moves along Greenville’s Main Street and has five different routes. They don’t all operate on the same schedule, though, so make sure you look up your route to avoid long wait times.

Charleston CARTA

A combination of regular and express routes CARTA passes cost $15 for a seven-day pass and $57 for a 31-day pass. Prices are higher if you need to factor in trips on any express lines. If you need to buy a single fare, the cost is $3.50.

Charleston also has the Downtown Area Shuttle or DASH. This shuttle service includes three lines that move through downtown and are all free.

Columbia COMET

The COMET is easy to spot in Columbia. The buses drive down the road painted in bright, neon colors. Routes stretch across the region and include a shuttle known as the Soda Cap Connector. It goes from one entertainment district to another for just $1.00 per way.

The long list of buses that make up COMET cost $2 per way, but you can buy a day pass for $4 and a 31-day pass for $40.

South Carolina healthcare

Healthcare in South Carolina is relatively affordable. Most cities fall under the national average which means your costs for the dentist, doctor, eye doctor, urgent care and even your medications shouldn’t break the bank.

  • Columbia is 15.7 percent below the national average
  • Charleston is 11 percent below the national average
  • Greenville is 1.9 percent below the national average
  • Spartanburg is 4.9 percent above the national average

What’s important to check, though, is healthcare costs in your city. Based on your needs, you could pay more than average since costs per care item won’t always fall in this city order. For example, a doctor’s visit in Greenville is actually the least expensive on the list at an average cost of $106.67. Charleston, which sits near the lower end overall, has the most expensive doctor’s visit cost with an average bill of $140.

South Carolina goods and services prices

When you look at your budget, you’ll have items on your list that are necessities — food and shelter — and those that you just really enjoy having — going out money. The second category constitutes all the goods and services you use. You don’t need them to survive, but you really like having them, so it’s important you know you can afford them.

Most cities in South Carolina hang close to the national average when it comes to the combined price of goods and services.

  • Charleston is 7.3 percent below the national average
  • Spartanburg is 2.1 percent below the national average
  • Columbia is 0.3 percent above the national average
  • Greenville is 3.7 percent above the national average

It isn’t until you drill down into specific goods and services, though, that you can effectively evaluate whether a city’s prices are too high for you.

According to the citywide averages, Greenville has the highest average prices, but when you look at a few specific items, only that cheesy delicious pizza will cost you more. That’s why it’s best to really evaluate your own budget when thinking about making a move. It’s the little things that will add up.

Budgeting in childcare

When looking at goods and services, it’s not just all the little things you need to think about. There are some not-so-little items that come into play here when you’re at a specific stage of life.

We’re talking about childcare, and sticker shock from paying for a full-day, private preschool is more common than you may think. Monthly costs can and will often get into the thousands, so you need to make sure you’ve got the budget to cover this expense when the time comes.

In our South Carolina cities, Charleston is the most expensive when it comes to childcare at $1,098 per month. Columbia is the most affordable at only $500 per month, on average.

Taxes in South Carolina

The state sales tax rate in South Carolina is 6 percent, but localities are able to add onto that up to 3 percent more. And, while the average sales tax rate is only 7.44 percent, it can get as high as 9 percent.

That means for every $1,000 you spend shopping, at most, you’re paying up to $90 in taxes. Quite a markup.

Looking at our selection of cities, only Charleston reaches this maximum.

  • Greenville has a 6 percent sales tax rate
  • Spartanburg has a 7 percent sales tax rate
  • Columbia has an 8 percent sales tax rate
  • Charleston has a 9 percent sales tax rate

Thankfully, you have options in order to avoid serious markups to compensate for high sales tax. Greenville doesn’t even add any additional tax onto the state rate. You might need to do your big shopping there.

How much do I need to earn to live in South Carolina?

Calculating how much you need to earn to live in South Carolina begins with rent. If you can afford rent, you most likely can afford all the other elements that contribute to your cost of living.

To calculate whether rent is in the budget, start with $1,373. This is the average rent in South Carolina per month. Then, multiply it by 12 to get the total rent you’d pay in a year — $16,476. This number should equal 30 percent of your total income since that’s what most experts say you should put toward rent. Divide $16,476 by 0.3 and you’ll get the minimum salary to make this work — $54,920.

That’s a pretty high salary, and with the average annual wage in South Carolina being $47,490, not everyone’s budget will allow them to afford an average apartment. Thankfully, many places fall below the average, as well as above, so you should have options in less expensive areas.

To get accurate numbers, you can use our rent calculator to plug in your own budget.

Living in South Carolina

Picking South Carolina as your next home base is a great decision. The weather is wonderful. The people are kind. The pace of life is slower, but not boring. You’re surrounded by all kinds of natural beauty. Southern hospitality abounds which means delicious food among other things. You’re also deciding to live in a state with great cities and affordable prices.

Will your budget fit the bill of this great state? Grab the calculator and start adding things up.

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of June 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

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With the cost of living prices basically right at the national average and below, North Carolina’s affordability is just one reason to consider calling it home. The diverse population has a reputation for kindness and a sense of community. No matter where you settle, you’ll get a down-home feeling.

The weather is pretty solid, which is great since North Carolina and outdoor activity go hand-in-hand. From the Outer Banks to the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ve got plenty of hiking trails to explore and over 300 miles of coastline.

If people and places aren’t enough to entice you, then let’s talk about North Carolina food. It’s all about southern comfort food, fresh seafood and that signature style of BBQ.

So, are you ready to take a deeper dive into whether North Carolina is the right place for you? To see if all the numbers match up, let’s look at average prices in key cost-of-living areas so you can see if this state is something your budget can afford.

North Carolina housing prices

There are a lot of cities in North Carolina that claim they’re the best, but what’s better is that many are reasonably priced when it comes to housing. You’ll find options that just step over the national average, as well as those that are significantly below, which means there’s a place for every budget.

Asheville

Nestled within the Blue Ridge mountains, with plenty of outdoor activities, Asheville is both a beautiful and fun place to live. The food scene is eclectic, and the whole city has a comfortable but quirky vibe. Hiking is as easy as walking around the downtown area, and there’s always Biltmore Estate when you need a little class.

Living in this mountain town, though, comes with a price, and housing is 3 percent above the national average. Rentals are on the rise, as well, and two-bedroom apartments saw a 33 percent increase in price over last year. The average rent right now is $1,866 per month. One-bedroom apartments are growing at a faster pace, up 38 percent over last year, for an average rent of $1,592 per month.

Homes are also in high-demand here, leading to a price increase of 21.8 percent over last year. The median home price in Asheville is $489,500.

Chapel Hill

The most expensive city on the list, Chapel Hill, is so much more than a college town. Although, as home to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, it’s a big piece of the city’s story. There are also plenty of job opportunities and stability here, along with an amazing food scene (check out the flying burrito) and a variety of museums and cultural stops. With housing prices at 18.3 percent above the national average, though, it can get pricey to live in this particular North Carolina town.

Rent prices reflect the higher housing costs here in Chapel Hill. On average, a one-bedroom apartment will cost you $1,883 per month. Two-bedrooms also have a high average price tag of $2,253 per month. These rents come at a significant price increase over last year, as well. One-bedrooms are up 45 percent, and two-beds are up by 52 percent.

Individual home prices may vary greatly, but on average, they’re all going up. Home prices have increased by 13.6 percent over last year, and the median home price in Chapel Hill is $611,500.

Charlotte

Southern charm seamlessly mixes with all the features of a cosmopolitan city in Charlotte. A fun and busy nightlife, delicious restaurants and a strong job market attract families and young professionals alike. Charlotte is also an affordable place to call home with housing prices 11.4 percent below the national average.

Even with lower overall prices, rent in Charlotte can still get pricy. One-bedroom apartments average out to cost $1,515 per month in rent, up 15 percent over last year. Two-bedroom apartments are growing in price more slowly but still can set you back an average of $1,783 per month. This price is up only 10 percent over last year.

Homes in Charlotte offer a cool range of architectural designs, but demand is definitely impacting price. The median home in Charlotte costs $405,000, which is a 19.1 percent increase over last year.

Lexington

A smaller city that’s experiencing great growth, Lexington offers residents more space than other North Carolina spots. It has a more suburban feel minus that densely-packed downtown area. It’s also extremely affordable. Housing prices in Lexington are 40.8 percent below the national average.

Resulting from the local growth, rent prices within Lexington are on the rise. Two-bedroom apartments are up 20 percent. The average monthly rent for a one-bed is $1,345, and two-beds average out just slightly higher at $1,485.

Housing prices in Lexington are holding steady with the average home costing $529,000.

Raleigh

As the capital of the state, the appeal of Raleigh centers on its commitment to education, research and technology. For balance, the city also has a thriving music and art scene, not to mention its growing reputation for excellent food and brew. Still, within an affordable range for college students and professionals alike, average housing prices in Raleigh are 4.8 percent below the national average, although the city is experiencing considerable growth in costs.

All housing in Raleigh is seeing price increases of over 15 percent from last year. One-bedroom apartments are up 18 percent, two-bedroom apartments are up 16 percent and home prices are up 19.4 percent. This means properties are in demand, and some could price out above your budget.

On average, a one-bedroom currently rents for $1,530 per month. Two-bedrooms are at $1,763. The median home price in Raleigh is currently at $430,000.

North Carolina food prices

North Carolina’s reputation for food is without exaggeration. You can get great barbecue, complete with all the sides, decadent peach cobbler, creamy she-crab soup and, of course, biscuits and gravy. Even home cooking is a serious business, and North Carolinians spend between $233 and $267 per month on groceries.

Food prices throughout the state are thankfully pretty reasonable, mostly at or just below the national average, so eating right is never outside the budget.

  • Raleigh is 8 percent below the national average
  • Lexington is 4.9 percent below the national average
  • Asheville is 4 percent below the national average
  • Chapel Hill is 3 percent below the national average
  • Charlotte is 2.8 percent below the national average

The only city to stretch past the national average when it comes to food prices is Salisbury. It just barely gets there at 0.9 percent above the national average.

What this means when it comes to individual items on your grocery list is that food prices won’t vary by a lot. For example, a dozen eggs range within 46 cents of each other in every city, and bananas only have a 24-cent differential.

Going out to eat also means paying similar-sized bills no matter where you are. The differential between most cities on our list is only $5 for a three-course meal for two. It ends up costing you the most in Asheville, at $65.00, but in our cheapest city, Raleigh, the same meal is only slightly less at $60.00.

North Carolina utility prices

As with most prices across North Carolina, utility averages hover close to the national average, and even though some are over, it’s never by an extreme amount.

  • Chapel Hill is 11.8 percent below the national average
  • Charlotte is 7.5 percent below the national average
  • Lexington is 6.9 percent below the national average
  • Raleigh is 1.2 percent above the national average
  • Asheville is 7.9 percent above the national average

It’s possible that certain weather conditions could increase your air conditioning or heating usage when the season is right, driving these averages up. Certain areas in North Carolina can get pretty hot in the summer, and those towns in the mountains, like Asheville, may need a little extra heat as temperatures cool down. On average, total energy bills range from $150 per month to slightly above $200.

North Carolina transportation prices

Transportation prices in North Carolina total up to include all different modes. There are the costs associated with owning a vehicle and taking public transportation, which can potentially save if you live in an area where it’s possible to get around on foot or by bike.

Overall, most transportation prices are, again, close to the national average. The only city to exceed it is Winston-Salem, at 3.9 percent above.

  • Lexington is 32.5 percent below the national average
  • Chapel Hill is 9.4 percent below the national average
  • Raleigh is 6.4 percent below the national average
  • Charlotte is 5.7 percent below the national average
  • Asheville is 1.6 percent below the national average

Not the most walkable state, most North Carolina cities have an average walk score in the 30s. You could live somewhere that’s walkable for a few blocks, but you can’t navigate the whole city that way. Chapel Hill is also pretty bike-friendly, with a score of 55. Overall though, you’re getting around in a car, bus or some other form of public transportation.

Asheville ART

Providing bus service throughout the entire city, Asheville Rides Transit, or ART, operates 18 different routes. Set hours have bus service ending at 10:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. Extended service for University of North Carolina Asheville stops is available Friday and Saturday nights, but only when classes are in session.

A single-way fare is $1, but you can buy both ticket booklets and passes. A booklet is $9 and provides for 11 rides. A monthly pass is $20 and an annual pass is $220.

Charlotte CATS

Operating both buses and a rail system, the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), makes it easy to ride through its color-coded system. Routes in red are express, routes in green are local or neighborhood shuttles and blue routes are rail lines.

The one-way fare for local bus services is $2.20, and a monthly pass is $88. Shuttle service is less expensive at only $0.90 per way. If you’re hopping on an express route, the one-way cost is $3, and a monthly pass is $121.

Raleigh GoRaleigh

A long list of routes takes you anywhere you want to go in Raleigh, hence the name GoRaleigh. Currently, all routes are free and will remain so until June of 2023.

Once fares get reintroduced, it’s still not expensive to take advantage of GoRaleigh routes. A single-ride fare is only $1.25, and a 31-day pass is $40. You can buy an express or regional pass, as well, extending your access to other cities in the area that have their own ‘Go’ public transportation.

North Carolina healthcare prices

Healthcare prices in North Carolina, which include doctor’s visits, urgent care trips, prescription medications, the dentist and even the eye doctor, are all close to the national average in the United States. Probably the highest set of numbers so far, all our cities are actually slightly over.

  • Raleigh is 0.1 percent above the national average
  • Chapel Hill is 8.3 percent above the national average
  • Asheville is 8.7 percent above the national average
  • Charlotte is 11.6 percent above the national average
  • Lexington is 18.2 percent above the national average

This puts visits to the eye doctor at anywhere from $118 up to $158, a doctor’s visit from $115 to $177 and trips to the dentist between $104 and $140. All combined, that’s a lot of out-of-pocket spending you may have to add to your budget.

North Carolina goods and services

Totaling up all the things you like doing regularly, but aren’t absolutely necessary, goods and services are like bonus activities. They’re what you do for you — like going out or getting your work clothes dry cleaned. Life would still go on without doing these things, but you wouldn’t be as happy.

Lumping in the costs of all goods and services together is a great way to understand how much this could add to your budget.

  • Raleigh is 8.8 percent below the national average
  • Chapel Hill is 8.4 percent below the national average
  • Lexington is 5.7 percent below the national average
  • Asheville is 1.1 percent below the national average
  • Charlotte is 6.4 percent above the national average

Charlotte is going to produce the highest price tag, in total, when it comes to grabbing a pizza, going to the movies and more. However, when you look at the average costs of everything, Charlotte might not always be the most expensive city.

In fact, according to these specific goods and services prices, Charlotte never has the most expensive option on the list.

Adding in childcare

Though it’s possibly not a particular good or service you’re ready for yet, this one is a doozy. Once the need for childcare comes into play, your cost of living budget will go way up. But, what you pay each month can vary greatly based on what city in North Carolina you’re living in.

The most expensive city for a full-day, private preschool is Chapel Hill, where the monthly price tag is $1,433.00. Raleigh is also over a thousand dollars a month, but then the price begins to dip. In Asheville, this monthly expense averages out to only $866.67. We told you it was expensive.

Taxes in North Carolina

North Carolina has both an individual income tax and a sales tax. The income tax rate of 4.99 percent applies to all income levels.

The state sales tax is 4.75, and local areas can only add on up to 2.75 percent more. This means the highest combined sales tax rate you’ll pay is 7.5 percent. Think of it this way, for every $1,000 you spend shopping, $124.90 is going straight to taxes if the city you live in charges the max amount, which not every city does.

  • The sales tax rate in Asheville and Lexington is 7 percent
  • The sales tax rate in Charlotte and Raleigh is 7.25 percent
  • The sales tax rate in Chapel Hill is 7.5 percent

It seems that many cities get close to the maximum amount of sales tax, but few go all the way to the top. That’s good for your budget.

How much do I need to earn to live in North Carolina?

One of the best ways to figure out what you need to make to live comfortably anywhere is a calculator. You’ve just got to crunch some numbers to make sure it all works, and starting with rent is key. Using our rent calculator, you can accurately start budgeting.

You can also do some rough estimating using averages and expectations. It’s expected that you’ll put 30 percent of your annual salary toward rent. Given that the average rent in North Carolina is $1,387, you’d need to make a minimum salary of $55,480 per year.

Is this possible? Yes, but not always. The average annual salary in North Carolina is $53,100. It comes close to the minimum salary you need to get an average-priced apartment, but not quite. This may mean adjusting your location to find housing options a little less expensive or cutting your budget elsewhere to put more toward rent. Either way, you’ve got options.

Living in North Carolina

North Carolina is a friendly and delicious place to call home. Southern hospitality is at its peak, and between the barbecue and a variety of other restaurants, your belly will always be full. North Carolina is also a state of opportunity, with a lot to attract young professionals, students and families. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also a beautiful place to live.

If North Carolina is calling your name, start adding those numbers up. Does your budget match up to the cost of living in the Tar Heel State? Sure hope so.

Related links:

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of June 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

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One of the safest states in the U.S., Utah has a lot going for it. The weather gives you solid seasons, with warm summers and cold (ski-friendly) winters. Outdoor activities abound beyond the mountains, with plenty of rivers and lakes to explore. Low unemployment rates and a growing stake in the tech industry provide ample opportunities. There’s also a large population of young professionals seeking Utah out as their new home, so the community is energetic, educated and ready to go.

The list can go on, but already with so many traits recommending Utah, we bet we’ve piqued your interest. But, don’t pack your bags yet. Before you can call Utah home, you’ve got to make sure you can afford to live here. By looking at some key cost of living components, in a few central Utah cities, we can help you with figure out if your budget matches up.

Utah housing prices

Most Utah cities recommend themselves as some of the best places to live in the state. There’s not much that isn’t interesting and scenic. However, everything appealing about Utah has a price tag, and most cities have costs that exceed the national average. Thankfully, when it comes to the cost of living in Utah for housing, you’ll never go too far over, but on the whole, expect to have to pay to call this state home.

Cedar City

Combining a small-town feel with an urban setting, Cedar City changes things up with as many ranches and farms as there are college residences. It’s a great combination of the best parts of Utah and at an affordable price. Housing prices in Cedar City are 7.3 percent below the national average.

The average rent for a two-bedroom is affordable, at $775 per month, and home prices are even going down. The median home price in Cedar City is $322,00, down by 6.7 percent over last year.

Ogden

Known for its professional opportunities, Ogden is the place to go if you’re looking for a government job. The professional stability combined with the city’s proximity to ski resorts means it’s all about working hard and playing hard. This explains why housing prices in Ogden are 6 percent above the national average.

Rents in Ogden are rising pretty significantly year-over-year, keeping prices up. The average one-bedroom apartment saw a 26 percent increase over last year and is currently $1,305 a month. Two-bedroom apartments are rising at a slower rate, up only 14 percent over last year. The current average rent per month is $1,499.

Home prices are also rising, up 17.1 percent over last year. The median home price in Ogden is $410,000.

Provo

One of many college towns in Utah, Provo is home to Brigham Young University. Run by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, both the student population and many of the city’s residents are members of the church. Provo has a heavy focus on family life and is full of many young people and new families.

This popular city has housing prices that average 15.8 percent above the national average. The average rent for a two-bedroom is $1,495, and home prices are up 17.6 percent. The median home price in Provo is $450,000.

Salt Lake City

Perhaps the best-known city in Utah, Salt Lake City has it all. It’s the perfect package of a place to live, with a strong city center, plenty of jobs, fun things to do and the great outdoors to enjoy. You’ll never be without something to do or see here, whether you’re going to a free summer concert, cheering on the Utah Jazz at a basketball game or simply exploring the city. For all its popularity, Salt Lake City housing prices aren’t too high, but they do hit above the national average by 26.3 percent.

Steady growth in the rental market has led to some pretty high prices in Salt Lake City. A one-bedroom apartment has an average monthly rent of $1,513, up 20 percent over last year. A two-bedroom will set you back an average of $1,831 per month, which is 16 percent higher than last year.

Home prices are rising even faster, up 36.2 percent over last year. The median home price in Salt Lake City is $613,000.

Utah food prices

Another cost of living in Utah is food. Utah residents spend an average of between $200 and $233 per month on groceries. Judging by the local favorite foods, a large portion of this could be on fresh produce. Yes, the state is famous for fry sauce and pastrami burgers, but it’s also well-known for honey, tomatoes, raspberries, corn and Green River melons. Yum.

Compared to the national average, most Utah cities hit very slightly above average.

  • Ogden is 4.4 percent below the national average
  • Provo is 0.1 percent above the national average
  • Cedar City is 0.9 percent above the national average
  • Salt Lake City is 6.3 percent above the national average

This could impact your overall grocery bill, but might not make everything you buy more expensive in one city over another. Lettuce, for example, costs 20 cents more in Cedar Lake than Salt Lake City. Peaches are 20 cents more in Ogden, the only city with food prices below the national average than in Cedar City.

Where food pricing gets predictable is when you look at the average cost for a romantic dinner for two. A three-course meal, for two, costs $72.50 in Salt Lake City, but only costs $35 in Ogden. That means you’re paying 52 percent more to eat the same meal in Salt Lake City.

Utah utility prices

Across the state of Utah, you’ll be happy to hear, utility prices are all below the national average. That’s good news for the cost of living in Utah.

  • Provo is 10.9 percent below the national average
  • Ogden is 7.5 percent below the national average
  • Salt Lake City is 7 percent below the national average
  • Cedar City is 2.7 percent below the national average

This means energy bills typically range between $140 and $165 per month, coming from both electricity and alternate energy sources.

Utah transportation prices

Although utility prices are on the lower side when compared to the national average, transportation prices in Utah do the exact opposite. They’re all slightly above.

  • Cedar City is 1.4 percent above the national average
  • Provo is 3.3 percent above the national average
  • Ogden is 4.5 percent above the national average
  • Salt Lake City is 5.9 percent above the national average

Even though Salt Lake City tops the list in cost, it also gets the highest scores when it comes to walkability (67) and bike friendliness (73).

Although it’s easy to get around Salt Lake, and Provo is often considered somewhat walkable itself, living in Utah most likely means you’ll need to either own a car or rely on public transportation (or both.)

The Utah Transit Authority

Stretching well beyond a single city, this network of vehicles really goes the distance. Yes, there are solid transportation networks throughout Utah that cover smaller areas, but the UTA takes the cake. It encompasses Salt Lake City, Ogden and Provo through its commuter rail service.

In Ogden, specifically, UTA buses cover the downtown area, Weber State University and routes to major employment centers. There’s also a ski bus that gets you to Snowbasin and Powder Mountain.

In Salt Lake City, a bevy of buses come regularly, with special routes during rush hour. There are also buses heading up to Snowbird Alta and Solitude Brighton for skiing.

Fares vary based on transportation type. For the local bus or streetcar, a one-way fare is $2.50, and a monthly pass is $85. If you want a premium pass, to have access to all types of transportation UTA offers, except the PC-SLC Connect, you can get a monthly pass for $170.

Utah healthcare prices

Shifting gears to look at healthcare, a tricky area for anyone’s cost of living total, all of our Utah cities fall below the national average.

  • Cedar City is 10.5 percent below the national average
  • Ogden is 9.9 percent below the national average
  • Provo is 8.5 percent below the national average
  • Salt Lake City is 5.7 percent below the national average

Healthcare costs include doctor’s visits, medications, getting your eyes checked and those two annual visits to the dentist each year. Individual prices won’t always align with how overall rank, though. The least expensive city, on average, for a doctor’s visit isn’t Cedar City, but Provo, the only city with a doctor’s visit bill under $100.

Utah goods and services prices

Goods and services are a wide category when it comes to the cost of living in Utah total. All the extras, that maybe don’t feel so extra, fit here. These are things you want but don’t necessarily need, and in Utah, they’re all slightly above what you pay on average.

  • Cedar City is 2.8 percent above the national average
  • Ogden is 4.8 percent above the national average
  • Salt Lake City is 6 percent above the national average
  • Provo is 9.9 percent above the national average

To better understand how these averages impact specific goods and services you might partake in, this chart breaks things down.

Provo may have the highest combined prices, but that isn’t the case for every individual service. A vet visit, for example, will be more in Salt Lake City on average, and a movie ticket is more in Cedar City.

Another key service in this category, with a high price tag, is childcare. Even if you don’t need to use this service now, prices can vary greatly, making it something you might want to think about. For a full-day, private preschool, you’ll pay $362.50 in Cedar City, but $783.33 in Salt Lake City. That’s a 54 percent difference that could easily stretch your budget.

Taxes in Utah

When it comes to taxes, Utah residents pay both individual income tax and sales tax. The income tax rate is 4.85 percent, and the state sales tax rate is 4.85 percent. Localities can then add up to 3.35 percent more onto the sales tax, which means the most you’d pay in any Utah city is 8.2 percent. That means for every $1,000 you spend shopping, $82 goes right to taxes.

None of the cities on our list max out the sales tax.

  • Cedar City has a 6.2 percent sales tax rate
  • Provo has a 7.25 percent sales tax rate
  • Ogden has a 7.25 percent sales tax rate
  • Salt Lake City has a 7.75 percent sales tax rate

At 7.75 percent, when you shop in Salt Lake City and spend $1,000, $77.50 is what you’ll pay solely in taxes.

How much do I need to earn to live in Utah?

To effectively calculate how much you need to earn to afford the cost of living in Utah, and if it will work with your ideal budget, plug in specific numbers to our rent calculator.

For some quick estimating, you can look at how much you need to earn to afford the average rent in the state. Rent should only take 30 percent of your annual income. So, with the average rent in Utah at $1,571, you’d need to make $62,840 per year.

This is highly likely to work out since the average salary in Utah is much higher, at $89,300. That means you’ll not only be fine looking at average-priced places to live but have wiggle room to get something with more amenities (or square footage).

Living in Utah

Utah is growing in population, so there are a lot of people out there, like you, who’re discovering this beautiful place full of activity and opportunity. To really get the ball rolling on deciding if Utah fits your budget, it’s best to look at the cost of living across the state.

Could you afford to live, eat and play in any specific city? If the numbers align, it might be time to start packing those boxes and preparing for a new adventure.

Related articles:

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of June 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

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All the best places to live in Maine offer up something unique and special. If you’re looking for a thriving art scene, fine dining and high-end marinas, a city or even a rural area, Maine has you covered. With so many options, your next question isn’t whether or not to move to Maine, but can you afford to live there.

Looking at the cost of living in Maine can help you check average city living against your own budget and see if it’s a perfect match.

Checking prices in these specific areas can help you decide.

Maine housing prices

The largest city in Maine, Portland is one of the state’s most prestigious culinary destinations. The food scene is eclectic and delicious, set in the perfect coastal location. Rocky beaches and lighthouses abound, but there’s nothing sleepy about this northeastern city. Portland has an excellent cultural scene and many consider it a world-class destination. With the cost of living in Maine for housing 26.2 percent above the national average, paying a little extra could be worth it.

Although rent prices for one-bedroom apartments are on the rise, going up 12 percent over last year, two-bedroom rents stayed the same. They’re now only slightly above smaller units at an average of $1,950 per month. The average monthly rent for one-bedroom apartments in Portland is $1,850.

Home prices are also on the rise, although by a smaller amount. Up 7.6 percent over last year, the median home price in Portland is $570,000.

Maine food prices

There are plenty of iconic foods in Maine, but, of course, seafood tops the list. We’re talking lobster, clams and more. But, the one thing you should definitely try when in Maine is a whoopie pie (it’s the state’s official treat.) Adding whoopie pies to your grocery list won’t impact the price too much, especially when the average Maine resident spends at least $333 per month food shopping.

Although that average is on the pricer side, it makes sense. Food prices in Portland, for example, are 5.5 percent above the national average. This can make individual grocery items a bit more costly, so don’t be surprised when:

  • Steak costs $16.49
  • A dozen eggs cost $1.69
  • One banana cost $0.56
  • A loaf of bread costs $4.34
  • Coffee costs $4.24

Grocery items can definitely add up, but higher-than-average food prices can also impact the cost of going out. A three-course meal, for two, in Portland, has an average cost of $82.50.

Maine utility prices

In Maine, residents don’t really feel the budgetary impact of their utility bills until winter hits. Summers are full of perfect weather conditions, with average temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. However, cold, snowy winters and temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Fahrenheit mean big electricity, natural gas and heating oil bills. That’s a major hit to the cost of living in Maine.

In Portland, average utility prices are 8.6 percent above the national average, and the average energy bill is around $211 each month. That’s definitely on the high side, and most likely dragged up thanks to the long winter months.

Thankfully, other utility bills, like water, are relatively low. The average water bill in Maine is only $24 per month. The average internet bill is also on the low end at only $45 per month.

Maine transportation prices

While the entire state provides transportation options that include buses, trains and even ferries, Maine is the kind of state where owning a car is particularly useful. This is in part because Maine is close to other states in New England. You’re able to day-trip to Vermont, New Hampshire or even Massachusetts.

In Portland, transportation costs are 9.1 percent above the national average. That’s on the more expensive side, but the fact that Portland is both a highly walkable and bike-friendly city can ease some of the costs associated with other forms of transportation. The city has an 80 walk score and a 76 bike score.

The city also offers an extensive public transportation system through the Greater Portland Metro. Local service consists of 10 routes. There are also three South Portland bus routes and the Metro Breez Express, which travels to nearby cities along the coast. The Husky Line connects Portland to two additional cities and two University of Southern Maine campuses.

Local fares are $2 for a one-way ticket, or 90-minute pass and $60 for a monthly fare. Express fares are double this cost.

Maine healthcare prices

Healthcare costs compose a broad category of doctor’s visits, medications, trips to the eye doctor and those two annual dentist appointments. Even unexpected trips to urgent care count. While you can’t really guess how much you’ll end up paying for the cost of living in Maine for healthcare in a single year, it’s good to know where the city you’re thinking of moving to compares with the rest of the country.

Healthcare prices in Portland are 5.6 percent above the national average. This translates to an average visit to the doctor costing about $143, your annual trip to the eye doctor costing around $154 and a dentist visit costing $106. Insurance could lower these prices, but it’s always good to have a baseline average.

Maine goods and services prices

When thinking about goods and services, look at your monthly budget. All the items you want, but don’t need, on that list fall into this category. These are the things that keep you happy, but if you had to cut them out of your budget, for whatever reason, wouldn’t prevent you from functioning. That doesn’t mean they’re not important, just expendable.

Portland’s goods and services, all combined, are 14.4 percent above the national average. That could mean fewer of these bonus items get into your budget should you call Maine home.

The best way to figure this out though is by looking at the individual goods and services you would want to include. A few popular ones in Portland have some surprisingly reasonable average price tags.

  • A six-pack of beer: $9.99
  • Yoga class: $16
  • Movie ticket: $11.90
  • Haircut: $31.25

Not all of these prices may seem low to you. It all depends on where you’re coming from, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t be affordable should you move.

There are some goods and services expenses, however, that just stay high no matter what. Childcare is one of them, and in Portland, the average monthly cost for a full-day, private preschool is $1,430. This isn’t cheap and could throw off your entire monthly budget when the time comes to factor it in. Knowing about this cost in advance can make a big difference though.

Taxes in Maine

Maine is a very straightforward state when it comes to taxes. There’s a graduated individual income tax, with rates between 5.8 and 7.15 percent.

When it comes to sales tax, Maine has a 5.5 state rate and doesn’t allow localities to add on anything additional. That means for every $1,000 you spend, no matter where you’re shopping in the state, only $55 is going toward taxes. That’s not too bad for the cost of living in Maine.

How much do I need to earn to live in Maine?

Calculating whether or not you can afford to live in Maine starts with rent. To get exact confirmation that rent isn’t outside your budget, use our rent calculator.

To look at some general numbers, you can compare income against average rent information. In Portland, the average two-bedroom apartment $1,950. This is on the high side when compared to other areas of the state, but it’s a good place to start. At this rate, assuming you’ll put 30 percent of your income toward rent (as experts suggest), you’ll need an annual income of more than $77,000.

With the median annual income across Maine at $58,489, certain places in Portland are out of reach. However, there are always options if Maine is your ultimate destination, whether it’s looking at lower-priced neighborhoods near Portland, or even other cities within the state.

Living in Maine

Forests, coastline, cities and country living — Maine has it all. The beauty of this state is truly unique and relaxing, but calling the Pine Tree State homes comes with a financial commitment. With the cost of living in Maine above the national average, you’ll have a shell out a few extra bucks to settle in here. Make sure you can afford it first by looking closely at your own budget. Then, all this northeastern beauty — and fresh seafood — is yours.

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of June 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

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Now that you’re thinking about Arkansas, it’s time to figure out whether you can afford it. Overall, the cost of living in Arkansas is relatively low, creating many cities that are quite affordable. Among the urban centers of the state, you also have huge patches of less densely populated areas. You can find a rural community just as easily as move into a city.

The state also provides a winning combination of outdoor activity, art and culture. You can hit a museum one day and hike the next. With Arkansas’ central location, it’s also easy to take off on weekend trips to explore neighboring states.

Living in Arkansas could very well be in your budget. To start though, let’s look at the average prices in a few key areas, including:

Arkansas housing prices

Housing in Arkansas is extremely reasonable. Most cities are considerably below the national average, giving you more freedom when it’s time to search for a place to call home.

Conway

Sitting in the center of Arkansas, Conway is a developing city that hasn’t lost any of its small-town charms. With a strong sense of community, the city boasts very affordable housing at 28.7 percent below the national average. This is great news for the influx of college students that show up each fall to attend the University of Central Arkansas and other higher education institutions.

On the rental front, apartments are very reasonably priced. One-bedroom apartments are up 2 percent over last year, but still have an average monthly rent of $675. Two-bedroom apartments only increased by 7 percent. Their average monthly rent is just slightly higher at $850.

Home prices are also priced well, even after seeing a growth of 17.1 percent over last year. The median home price in Conway is $236,500.

Hot Springs

Known best as a touristy, resort town, Hot Springs has a smaller number of full-time residents, but never feels too empty thanks to all the visitors. At the height of tourist season, Hot Springs has an extremely urban vibe. For those that do decide to call it home all year, you’ve got easy access to the famous springs, plenty of places to hike, boat and fish, great food choices and a low cost of living. Home prices are 15.4 percent below the national average.

Rent is extremely reasonable, even in a town attracting so much business. The average apartment rent in Hot Springs is $751. Home prices have also managed to stay on the lower end. The median home in Hot Springs sells for $179,900, which is down 12.2 percent from last year.

Little Rock

Possibly the densest urban center in Arkansas, Little Rock really feels like a big city. Attracting both families and young professionals, the capital is full of restaurants, shops and parks. This is a perfect city for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, foodies and art lovers. Everything comes with housing prices that are 18.6 percent below the national average.

Changing very little over last year, apartment prices in Little Rock have essentially held steady. One-beds are the same, but two-beds are down by one percent when compared to last year. This helps to keep rent within that affordable range when looking at the cost of living in Arkansas. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $804 per month. The average rent for a two-bed comes in at $930 per month.

Housing prices in Little Rock are even less expensive on average than in many other Arkansas cities. Up 17 percent over last year, the median home price in Little Rock is $253,500.

Jonesboro

Essentially a modern college town, the big sell in Jonesboro is Arkansas State University. Most amenities center around the college crowd, although it’s also a hub for agricultural processing. Crops grown nearby include cotton, rice, corn and soybeans. Living here gives you affordable housing wrapped up in a typical small town in the South. Home prices are 28 percent below the national average.

Rental prices in Jonesboro have dropped recently, and one-bedroom apartments are down 30 percent over last year. Two-bedrooms are decreasing more slowly, only down 4 percent over last year. This provides for very reasonable rental averages. A one-bed averages out to $650 per month and a two-bed is $825.

Similar to Conway, the median home price in Jonesboro is $228,000, up 17 percent over last year.

Arkansas food prices

Locals may love a big slice of possum pie for dessert, but when it comes to favorite foods, it’s better if it’s fried. From catfish to pickles, green tomatoes to hushpuppies, frying it up makes it taste better. This most likely means that Arkansas residents go through a lot of bread crumbs, but they do keep the grocery bill pretty low, spending on average between $200 and $233 per month.

Food prices themselves are also on the lower end, keeping below the national average in every city, though some just barely.

  • Conway is 13.6 percent below the national average
  • Jonesboro is 7.7 percent below the national average
  • Little Rock is 6.8 percent below the national average
  • Fayetteville is 6.6 percent below the national average
  • Hot Springs is 0.6 percent below the national average

Prices may stay high in Hot Springs thanks to all the tourists, but even with costs almost at the national average, you never know which city is going to have the most expensive items. If you need to buy bread, to make some fresh bread crumbs, Conway has the most expensive loaf at $3.78, while Fayetteville has the cheapest at $3.07. When you’re in need of eggs for that fry batter, Little Rock’s dozen will cost the most at $1.89, but Conway’s are the cheapest at $1.57.

Arkansas utility prices

Moderate temperatures almost all year round mean your heater and AC shouldn’t have to work too hard in Arkansas. This can keep the biggest utility price, your energy bill, relatively low. Throughout Arkansas, monthly energy bills range between $147 and $164, and overall prices stick closely below the national average.

  • Jonesboro is 6 percent below the national average
  • Conway is 5.9 percent below the national average
  • Fayetteville is 4.3 percent below the national average
  • Hot Springs is 1 percent below the national average
  • Little Rock is 0.5 percent below the national average

One partial contributor to decent utility prices, and an overall lower cost of living in Arkansas, could be the state’s production of hydroelectricity. With so many lakes across the state, the construction of dams has proved a great source of hydroelectric power. The biggest, Beaver Dam, generates $4.5 million in revenue from electricity.

Arkansas transportation prices

The cost of living in Arkansas gets a bump up when it comes to transportation prices. This is one of the only categories where numbers jump up above the national average.

  • Hot Springs is 16.7 percent below the national average
  • Conway is 8.8 percent below the national average
  • Jonesboro is 7.9 percent below the national average
  • Little Rock is 3.2 percent below the national average
  • Fayetteville is 9.2 percent above the national average

Not all cities have public transportation to help bring down the costs associated with owning a vehicle, but some do provide options when you don’t feel like paying for parking.

In Fayetteville, there’s also the Scull Creek Trail. This four-mile paved path goes right through the heart of town. You can easily navigate on foot and avoid struggling to find parking on busy days. You’ll also find plenty of places to bike throughout the state.

Fayetteville Ozark Regional Transit

Operating three routes within Fayetteville, and a few in surrounding areas, Ozark Regional Transit services all of Northwest Arkansas. Buses have free Wi-Fi and all routes within the City of Fayetteville are free.

Fayetteville also has Razorback Transit, a system operated by the University of Arkansas. To ride is free, but service only runs Monday-Friday on class days, while school is in session.

Little Rock METRO

Supporting Little Rock, the Rock Region METRO consists of buses and a streetcar. With 15 bus routes and the blue line for the downtown streetcar, the entire city is pretty well covered.

The METRO Streetcar is free to ride, and a one-way bus fare is $1.35. Passes are available, and a 31-day pass is $36.

Jonesboro JET

With five dedicated routes JET offers busses in every direction through the city. Service on weekdays is pretty consistent, but there’s a separate Saturday schedule that runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A one-way fare is $1.25, and passes are available for a single day, seven days and 31 days. A 31-day pass is $30.

Arkansas healthcare prices

Healthcare costs include a variety of doctors. You’ve got visits to your general practitioner and specialists, that annual trip to the eye doctor and your two dentist visits per year. Healthcare also includes any unplanned trips to urgent care, as well as all your medications.

Throughout Arkansas, combined healthcare needs are quite affordable.

  • Fayetteville is 24.8 percent below the national average
  • Little Rock is 24.7 percent below the national average
  • Jonesboro is 21.3 percent below the national average
  • Hot Springs is 15.8 percent below the national average
  • Conway is 13 percent below the national average

These averages keep any kind of doctor visit relatively low, most not even breaking $100. It could cost as little as $90 in Fayetteville to visit the doctor, but up to $112 in Little Rock. A dentist visit could be as inexpensive as $48.50 in Little Rock, and as high as $83.33 in Conway. Since the least expensive visit isn’t always in the least expensive city, it’s best to check averages everywhere you’re thinking about living.

Arkansas goods and services prices

The cost of living in Arkansas is relatively affordable, but where prices get high are goods and services. This includes all the extras you work into your monthly budget. The things you enjoy doing and want to do, but could do without if money got tight. Some Arkansas cities offer special activities in this category, like soaking in the warm mineral water in Hot Springs, but most goods and services are pretty ordinary.

  • Conway is 15.1 percent below the national average
  • Fayetteville is 1.4 percent below the national average
  • Hot Springs and Jonesboro are 4.8 percent above the national average
  • Little Rock is 5.5 percent below the national average

Prices are high overall, but it’s only when looking at the averages of specific goods and services that you can really see what costs are like in any given city.

Based on the chart, Little Rock is only the most expensive city half the time, when it comes to the trip to the salon or to the movies. Hot Springs takes the top spot when it comes to pizza and beer. For the most inexpensive city, Conway only comes in dead last twice, as well. Fayetteville has the least expensive 6-pack, and Hot Springs surprisingly has the least expensive movie ticket.

Taxes in Arkansas

Arkansas has a graduated income tax, which means you pay based on your total income. Rates are as low as zero if you make less than $5,000, and as high as 5.5 percent for those making over $84,500.

When it comes to sales tax, the state has a minimum rate of 6.5 percent. Localities can then add up to an additional 6.125 percent. This means the most you may pay in sales tax is 12.625 percent, or for every $1,000 you spend shopping, $126.25 goes straight to taxes.

  • Jonesboro has a sales tax rate of 8.5 percent
  • Little Rock has a sales tax rate of 8.625 percent
  • Conway has a sales tax rate of 9.125 percent
  • Hot Springs has a sales tax rate of 9.5 percent
  • Fayetteville has a sales tax rate of 9.75 percent

Across the state of Arkansas, the average sales tax rate is 9.47 percent. Most cities on our list come pretty close to that.

How much do I need to earn to live in Arkansas?

There are a lot of expenses that go into the cost of living in Arkansas, but rent is typically the biggest. Experts say you should spend 30 percent of your annual income on rent, so to know what you can afford, you’ll need to do some math.

You can either plug exact numbers into our rent calculator or make some guesses using estimates. By taking the average rent price in Arkansas, which is $738 per month, you can calculate the minimum amount of income you’d need, $29,520, to ensure you had money left over after paying rent each month.

The next question to ask is how easy it is to make this minimum salary in Arkansas. Given that the average annual salary in the state is $46,500, you’ll most likely have an easy time affording an average apartment. You may even be able to pay for a few upgraded amenities.

Living in Arkansas

Making the move to Arkansas means opening yourself up to experiencing a great Southern state. The natural beauty, variety of lakes and mild weather make the state ideal for those who love being outdoors. The affordability, nightlife and food make Arkansas perfect for just about everyone else.

If you’re considering a change, looking at the cost of living through its components can help you find the perfect city to call home. Which one has already caught your eye?

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of June 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

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There are many benefits to living in the Southern state of Mississippi. Defined by the mighty Mississippi River on its western border, the state has beautiful natural landscapes that are both a playground for hiking, boating, fishing and more, as well as an abundant agricultural resource.

It’s famous for being the birthplace of blues music and its scrumptious Southern cuisine. Its small and mid-sized cities are diverse hubs for industry, music, art and culture, full of friendly, welcoming locals that are a big reason why Mississippi is known as the Hospitality State.

Living among all this is also very affordable, as the cost of living in Mississippi is below the national average. Whether you want to live in a city with outdoor access or a great live music scene, Mississippi has tons of different options to choose from. These cities also offer different price points for all kinds of budgets. If you’re considering moving to the Magnolia State, this in-depth look at the cost of living in cities around Mississippi will help you find the right fit for your lifestyle and budget.

Mississippi housing prices

Starting off with the cost of housing in Mississippi, the state is an attractive option for affordable housing costs. Total housing costs here are below the national average, even in the most populous cities. The average rent in most cities is below $1,000 for a one-bedroom, and the cost of buying a house here is similarly accessible.

To see how housing costs vary around the state, let’s look at the average rent and home prices in some major Mississippi cities.

Hattiesburg

Known as Hub City, Hattiesburg, in southeastern Mississippi, earned its nickname due to being a major crossroads for the railroad and lumber industries. Nowadays, it’s a hub for arts, dining, sports and higher education. It’s the home of The University of Southern Mississippi and is also close to Camp Shelby, which is the biggest U.S. National Guard training camp east of the Mississippi River. With such a diverse mix of industries and attractions, Hattiesburg appeals to both families and young adults. Nearby De Soto National Forest is a regional destination for hiking and outdoor recreation.

Although housing costs here are 38.3 percent below the national average, Hattiesburg has some of the highest average rents in the state. One-bedroom apartments cost around $997 a month, up 1 percent from last year. The average rent for two-bedroom units is up 2 percent to $1,250.

Hattiesburg has one of the cheapest housing markets in the state, with a median sale price of $84,000. Information about whether this rate has increased or decreased over the past year isn’t available.

Jackson

Located in the southwestern part of the state, Jackson is the state capital of Mississippi. It’s also the most populous city in the state with a population of 149,761. Along with affordable housing costs, locals here enjoy a vibrant cultural scene encompassing everything from blues music to numerous museums, as well as sports and outdoor recreation in state parks and on the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir.

The city has numerous sites along the Mississippi Freedom Trail and Mississippi Blues Trail, documenting the city’s key role in both the creation of blues music and the civil rights movement. Jackson also has several universities, the biggest of which is the HBCU Jackson State University. Overall, it’s a nice state capital to call home.

Housing costs here are 37.1 percent below the national average, and prices have actually gone down over the past year. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment has gone down 12 percent from the previous year to $737. At $832 a month, the average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is down 3 percent.

The housing market in Jackson is down 1.8 percent from last year, as well. Here, median sale prices for a house are $180,000. In comparison, the national median sale price is $428,379.

Meridian

Located in southeastern Mississippi, Meridian is another notable town in Mississippi’s music history. It was the hometown of the Father of Country Music, Jimmie Rodgers. Live music, art and culture are still alive and well here, with music festivals, grand theaters and museums. The city is also known for its great vintage shopping, family-friendly activities and lovely parks like Bonita Lakes Park.

Meridian’s overall housing costs are 31 percent below the national average. You can rent a one-bedroom apartment for $650 a month, which is 2 percent less than last year. Prices for two-bedroom apartments are up 9 percent from last year to $825 monthly. Overall, it’s one of the cheapest places to live in Mississippi.

With a median sale price of $20,450 and no known change in price from the previous year, Meridian’s housing market has the least expensive house prices of our highlighted cities.

Tupelo

With a population of 37,667, the small city of Tupelo in northeastern Mississippi is best known for being the hometown of the King himself, Elvis Presley. His childhood home is now preserved as a museum. On top of its Elvis fame, Tupelo has a vibrant arts and culture scene with museums, a symphony, community theaters and festivals. City parks like Ballard Park are throughout the town, and camping, hiking and other outdoor recreation are available at nearby lakes and state parks.

The cost of housing in Tupelo is 38.5 percent below the national average, with one-bedroom apartments available for an average rate of $595 a month. This rate has stayed consistent over the past year. However, the cost of two-bedroom apartments has gone up 24 percent to $840.

To buy a house in Tupelo, you’re looking at a median sale price of $121,000. Data isn’t available about how prices have changed over the previous year.

Mississippi food prices

From mud pies to soul food, the delicious local cuisine is one of the best parts of living in Mississippi. Both the Gulf Coast and the Mississippi River keep the state supplied with great fish like catfish and seafood like crawfish. You’ll also find barbecue, biscuits and other classic Southern staples on menus. Thanks to a diverse immigrant population, you’ll also find multicultural dishes like hot tamales, as well.

With so many tasty dishes and food items to spend money on, it’s a good thing that food costs in Mississippi are below the national average. Mississippi residents spend between $200 and $233 per person on food a month, which is between $2,400 and $2,800 a year. This puts the cost of living in Mississippi for food among the lowest in the U.S. Total grocery costs around the state are 6.9 percent below the national average, and some cities are even lower than that:

  • Tupelo is 13.1 percent below the national average
  • Meridian is 12.3 percent below the national average
  • Jackson is 2.6 percent below the national average
  • Hattiesburg is 2.8 percent below the national average

Let’s look at the cost of different food items in these cities to see how they compare. Tupelo and Meridian have the lowest-priced food items compared to the national average, and some items reflect this. A dozen eggs cost $1.57 in Meridian and $1.34 in Tupelo. You’ll be paying the most for eggs in Jackson at $1.96. For a half-gallon of milk, Tupelo is the least expensive at $2.14 while Hattiesburg is the most expensive at $2.78. However, not all food costs in Tupelo or Meridian will be the lowest among the four cities. Meridian has the second-highest price for steak in our highlighted cities at $13.15, while Tupelo is the cheapest at $11.14.

Mississippi utility prices

For basic utilities like water, electricity and internet, you’ll be paying below the national average in Mississippi.

Natural gas makes up the majority of Mississippi’s energy production. Coal and crude oil are other big energy production sectors. Mississippi is also the home of the Grand Gulf Nuclear Power Station. This single-reactor nuclear plant is the biggest generating capacity in the country, so nuclear power also makes up a decent chunk of Mississippi’s energy production. Along with groundwater resources, the Mississippi River is another major water supply resource for communities throughout the state.

The cost of utilities is below the national average throughout the state, but some cities are lower than others:

  • Jackson is 17 percent below the national average
  • Tupelo is 11.6 percent below the national average
  • Hattiesburg is 5.8 percent below the national average
  • Meridian is 5.7 percent below the national average

With total monthly energy costs of $132.78, Jackson is the least expensive city for energy costs in Mississippi. Both Hattiesburg and Meridian have roughly the same energy costs, but Meridian is slightly more expensive at $159.70. In Hattiesburg, you’ll pay $159.48. The average electric bill for the whole state is $135.67.

The average water bill in Mississippi is $23.

Mississippi transportation prices

Living in Mississippi, you’ll be paying below the national average for transportation costs. This includes private transportation like using a personal car, as well as public transportation. Since Mississippi is a largely rural state, having a car is a necessity here. If you do need a car to get around, Mississippi doesn’t have any toll roads.

However, all parts of the state have public transportation of some kind, with over 60 different providers. Using public transportation is a great way to save on transportation costs like gas or vehicle maintenance. It’s also more eco-friendly and reduces traffic congestion and commutes in bigger cities.

Here’s how transportation costs in these cities compare to the national average:

  • Jackson is 21.7 percent below the national average
  • Meridian is 9.4 percent below the national average
  • Tupelo is 8.2 percent below the national average
  • Hattiesburg is 4.3 percent below the national average

All these cities have some form of public transportation available to their residents. But bigger cities like Jackson and Hattiesburg have more extensive systems. Before we look closer at transit in these bigger cities, let’s do a quick overview of options in Tupelo and Meridian. Tupelo Transit offers on-demand bus public transit services around the city for $2 one-way and $4 round-trip. In Meridian, Choctaw Transportation offers weekday-only bus public transportation within the city limits. One-way fares are $3 and round-trip is $6.

Now, let’s see what residents of Jackson and Hattiesburg have in terms of public transportation.

JTRAN in Jackson

The JTRAN system in Jackson offers bus service transit along 11 different routes for the city of Jackson. It also has on-demand paratransit services. A one-way ride on a fixed-route bus costs $1.50. Weekly passes are $15 and a monthly pass costs $42. Transfers are free. Discounts are available for students, senior citizens and those with disabilities. Kids under the age of 5 ride for free, and with the exception of one-way $0.75 fares, kids between the ages of six and 14 ride for free, as well.

Since Jackson is a fairly spread-out city, using the bus or your own personal vehicle is the best way to navigate the city with ease. This is because Jackson has low scores for walkability and bikeability. Its walk score is 35 and its bike score is 37. While certain neighborhoods or city parks are pedestrian- or bike-friendly, the overall city isn’t.

Hub City Transit in Hattiesburg

With one-way fares of $0.50, Hub City Transit offers residents of Hattiesburg a low-cost way to get around town. Its bus fleet operates 7 different bus routes around the city, as well as an on-demand paratransit service. Discounts are available for qualified riders like senior citizens and children. City employees and students, staff and faculty of the University of Southern Mississippi ride free. Weekly and monthly passes aren’t available at this time.

With a low walk score of 37 and a bike score of 47, Hattiesburg isn’t the best city to explore or navigate by bike or foot. Using the bus or having your own form of transportation are the best ways to easily get around.

Mississippi healthcare prices

At first glance, it may look like you’ll be getting a great deal on healthcare prices in Mississippi. Here’s how much it costs to go to the doctor’s office in these different cities:

  • Jackson: $60
  • Tupelo: $75
  • Hattiesburg: $112.50
  • Meridian: $95

While Hattiesburg is the most expensive city for doctor’s visits, an average cost of $103.75 makes it the cheapest city to go to the dentist. Going for a cleaning and dental check-up costs the most in Jackson at $146. Right off the bat, we can see that dental costs are higher than general healthcare costs in Mississippi. This trend holds true for other cities, as well. It costs $107 to go to the dentist in Tupelo and $133 in Meridian. Tupelo is actually ranked nationally for its low healthcare costs.

Along with these average costs, total healthcare costs in most Mississippi cities are below the national average:

  • Tupelo is 8.8 percent below the national average
  • Jackson is 2 percent below the national average
  • Meridian is 0.5 percent above the national average
  • Hattiesburg is 0.3 percent below the national average

However, these healthcare costs require some context. First and foremost, it’s a challenge to determine average healthcare costs in a particular area because healthcare prices are different for everyone. Some people may pay more for their healthcare due to pricey medications or pre-existing conditions. So, just because the average doctor’s visit costs $60 in Jackson doesn’t necessarily mean that’s what you’ll pay.

Another important caveat is that even though Mississippi has low average healthcare costs, that doesn’t mean you’re getting the best care. Mississippi is ranked dead-last for healthcare in the United States across all categories. These categories are healthcare access, quality and overall public health. So, not only do Mississippi residents have low public health in general, but then, they lack good access to quality healthcare for treatment. If you have specific healthcare needs that require a specialized level of care, Mississippi’s poor healthcare record is something to consider.

Mississippi goods and services prices

Similar to most other costs of living categories, you’ll be paying below the national average for assorted goods and services in Mississippi. How much less depends on what city you live in:

  • Jackson is 13.9 percent below the national average
  • Tupelo is 9.5 percent below the national average
  • Hattiesburg is 5.6 percent below the national average
  • Meridian is 3.1 percent below the national average

Compared to the national average, Jackson is the least expensive city for goods and services. It’s the cheapest place to get a haircut, costing $18.67. At $26.63, Hattiesburg is the most expensive place to get a haircut. Movie tickets are $8.21 in Jackson compared to $11.24 in Hattiesburg. But Jackson doesn’t always have the lowest prices. It has the second-highest price for dry cleaning at $12.25, while Meridian has the cheapest at $11.06. Just because a city is lower or closer to the national average doesn’t mean all costs there will hold the same rank.

Taxes in Mississippi

Since taxes vary from state to state, it’s important to know what you’ll be paying for sales tax and income tax. Both have an impact on your budget and monthly spending.

Mississippi’s statewide sales tax rate is 7 percent. This rate is among the highest state sales tax rates in America. To put that amount in perspective, if you spend $1,000 shopping in Jackson, you’ll be paying $70 extra in sales tax.

Many Mississippi cities also add their own local sales tax on top of the statewide rate, bringing the overall sales tax up:

  • Jackson has a combined tax of 8 percent
  • Tupelo has a combined tax of 7.25 percent
  • Hattiesburg has a combined tax of 7 percent
  • Meridian has a combined tax of 7 percent

Jackson has the most expensive sales tax, bumping that $70 in sales tax up to $80 in sales tax for every $1,000 spent. Hattiesburg and Meridian don’t have any local sales tax, and Tupelo’s additional sales tax of .25 percent is a small step up from the statewide rate.

Currently, Mississippi has a graduated income tax ranging from 4 percent to 5 percent. However, the state recently enacted big cuts to income tax so those rates will be going down in the coming years.

How much do I need to earn to live in Mississippi?

Overall, Mississippi is an affordable state, with most costs falling below the national average. But does it fit your budget?

The cost of rent is the most important factor to consider when determining if you can afford to live in a particular state or city. This is because the cost of housing is usually the biggest monthly expense. To ensure a balanced budget with enough money left over for other necessities like food and fun activities like going out, experts recommend you only spend 30 percent of your gross monthly income on rent.

The average rent in Mississippi is $786, requiring a monthly income of $2,620 or an annual income of $31,440. The median household income in Mississippi is $46,511, showing that most households can afford the cost of the rent. However, annual salaries here range from $20,694 to $79,341, so some renters in lower-paid industries may struggle to only spend 30 percent of their income on housing if they live on their own.

Figure out what you can afford to pay in rent each month using our handy rent calculator.

Living in Mississippi

Mississippi’s overall low cost of living makes living here accessible to all sorts of budgets. It’s true that these lower costs could be a trade-off in quality, as the state ranks low in key areas like healthcare and education. But, depending on where you want to live, the pros could outweigh the cons. You’ll also get to live in friendly communities with great music, food and picturesque landscapes.

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of August 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

The cost of living in Minnesota sits within range of the national average, but just below. This affordable state is not only beautiful but an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and biking to every kind of water-based activity possible, you’re able to keep busy without setting a foot inside.

Add to that some great cities and small towns, friendly people and delicious food, and you’ve got a state that’s really the complete package.

The question, then, is can you afford to live in Minnesota? To figure that out, it’s best to break down all the elements that make up your total cost of living to see if everything fits into your budget. That means looking at:

Minnesota housing prices

Housing throughout Minnesota varies enough to give you plenty of options when needing to find your most affordable city. With numbers all below the national average, though, it’s not too much of a struggle to locate the perfect place to live in Minnesota.

Mankato

The great thing about Mankato is it feels like a small town, but has all the amenities of something a little bigger. The neighborhoods are cozy, but the city’s parks, rivers and hiking trails provide ample activities year-round. This means hitting your favorite lake to waterski in the summer and then, returning to ice fish in the winter. Home prices are also incredibly affordable at 25.2 percent below the national average.

Both apartment rent and home sale prices are on the more reasonable side in Mankato. The average rent in the city is $1,078, and the median sale price for a home in Mankato is $337,000. Home prices are rising though, up 38.8 percent over last year.

Minneapolis

Though the cost of living in Minneapolis is the highest in Minnesota, home prices here are still below the national average by 6.8 percent. This means there are so many great neighborhoods here to consider as your next home.

Situated right across the river from St. Paul, Minneapolis has amazing food, a great craft beer scene and a strong job market. The city shares many of its professional opportunities with its neighbor and combined, the two cities are home to a large number of Fortune 500 companies.

Rent prices here are also taking a downturn, with one-beds dropping 4 percent and two-beds down by 8 percent. Rent remains reasonable, although more expensive than any other Minnesota city on our list. Your average one-bedroom apartment costs $1,265 per month, and a two-bed apartment goes for an average of $1,595 per month.

Just as in St. Paul, home prices in Minneapolis are rising, but only barely. The median sale price in Minneapolis is $359,900, up 5.9 percent over last year.

St. Cloud

Considered a family-friendly community, St. Cloud offers up a stable economy, small-town comforts and popular events for every age, all year-round. Housing ranges from quaint bungalows to modern lofts with a few historic buildings tossed in there for good measure. What’s even better is that home prices are 17.9 percent below the national average.

This means low rent overall, even though certain units are seeing some serious growth when it comes to price. Although one-bedroom apartments are only up a single percent over last year, two-bedroom prices have increased by 17 percent. However, even with this growth, the average two-bedroom apartment rents for only $927 per month. One-bedroom apartments average out at $704 per month.

Home prices are almost the same, dropping in price only by 0.65 percent over last year. The median home price in St. Cloud is a reasonable $231,000.

St. Paul

As Minnesota’s capital city, St. Paul provides year-round outdoor fun alongside excellent job opportunities and affordable living. With water sports in the summer and skiing and snowboarding in the winter, you’ll always have a reason to get outside. To get a good dose of city life, stroll down Grand Avenue to wander into all the shops and restaurants along this historic strip. All of this is just the tip of the iceberg as to what makes St. Paul special, but even better, home prices are 8.2 percent below the national average.

When it comes to renting an apartment in this perfect town, rent prices are actually going down. Slipping at about the same rate, one-bedrooms saw a 14 percent drop over last year, and two-bedrooms went down by 13 percent. This keeps rent prices at a decent rate. The average one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,270 per month, and a two-bedroom is averaging out at $1,587 per month.

Home prices are going up, but just barely. Prices rose only 4.6 percent over last year. The median home price in St. Paul is $295,900.

Minnesota food prices

The cost of living in Minnesota is relatively reasonable, but food prices are actually on the higher end of the scale. Not every city is above the national average, but a few are.

  • St. Paul is 5 percent below the national average
  • Minneapolis is 2 percent below the national average
  • Mankato is 8.6 percent above the national average
  • St. Cloud is 13.9 percent above the national average

This aligns with shopping trends throughout the state, where the average Minnesotan’s monthly grocery bill is between $233 and $267. Now, what’s on that shopping list definitely impacts price. This can include ingredients to make your own Juicy Lucy or Tater Tot Hotdish. It could also mean splurging on a nice Walleye fillet. Regardless of what’s on your list, it’s good to know that ground beef is the most expensive in St. Cloud, but you’ll get the best deal on potatoes (for tots) in Minneapolis.

Minnesota utility prices

Winters in Minnesota are rough, which means your heater will work hard to keep your home warm and comfortable. The season is below-freezing temperatures and lots of snow. Heavy snowfall happens over a long season, from November to April, and the average number of annual blizzards is two.

Although winter is extreme, summer isn’t too bad. It’s hot and humid, but temperatures linger in the mid-80s. Your AC will run all summer long, but not to as big of an extreme as that winter heater.

As a result of this weather, utility prices can get high, however, overall, you’ll pay about the same as what’s average across the country.

  • Mankato is 3.7 percent below the national average
  • St. Cloud is 3.3 percent below the national average
  • St. Paul is 2.3 percent below the national average
  • Minneapolis is 1.1 percent below the national average

These close averages keep monthly energy bills in a very tight range. On average, expect to pay between $165 and $174 per month.

Minnesota transportation prices

Even with severely cold winters, certain cities in Minnesota are highly walkable. Minneapolis has a walk score of 75, and St. Paul’s is 61. Mankato and St. Cloud aren’t as walkable, but every city has a decent bike score, meaning Minnesota as a whole is pretty bike friendly.

This ability to get around by bike and on foot may positively impact transportation prices, making this particular expense in your cost of living in Minnesota below average. Of course, this isn’t the case everywhere.

  • Mankato is 7.7 percent below the national average
  • St. Cloud is 1.1 percent below the national average
  • St. Paul is 1.5 percent above the national average
  • Minneapolis is 4.8 percent above the national average

Public transportation, and owning your own vehicle, are most likely the two major contributors to your overall transportation expenses. Cars can cost a lot when you factor in maintenance, gas and paying for parking. Public transportation is a way to save a little money, even if you only use the service to commute back and forth to work during the week.

The METRO

Because the two cities are so close together, public transportation for Minneapolis and St. Paul combine through the METRO. The light rail, consisting of a blue line and green line, encompasses both cities. The blue line stays within Minneapolis, but the green line goes across the water.

The METRO also runs plenty of buses, a few rapid transit lines and a commuter rail. Fares vary based on time of day, so you’ll pay more during rush hour, which is from 6-9 a.m. and 3-6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Each fare is good for 2.5 hours. For local bus services, the non-rush hour fare is $2, and it’s $2.50 during rush hour. Six-hour passes are also available with a weekday rate of $4.50 and a weekend rate of $4.

The METRO bus also pops up in St. Cloud. Here there are 17 different routes that cross the city with a single-ride fare of $1.25. You can buy a variety of passes, as well from anywhere between $4.25 for a day pass to $47 for a monthly pass.

Mankato Transit

Operating its own transit system, the bus service in Mankato consists of eight routes that cover the entire city. This includes stops at Minnesota State University, Mankato. A single-ride fare is $1.50, but frequent rider passes are available in one-, 15- and 30-day passes. The monthly pass is $40 and is the best deal.

Minnesota healthcare prices

Healthcare prices in Minnesota can get high. Most cities are above the national average, and since this piece of your cost of living can include multiple doctors, there’s no way to know where the big bills will come in. Could it be a doctor’s visit, a trip to urgent care, the dentist or an eye doctor? What about those medications? Hopefully, your medical needs will stay affordable, but where you live could make the difference.

  • Minneapolis is 1.6 percent below the national average
  • St. Paul is 2.2 percent above the national average
  • Mankato is 2.9 percent above the national average
  • St. Cloud is 25.2 percent above the national average

As the most expensive when it comes to an average doctor’s visit, costs in St. Cloud reach $200.13. This is almost $50 more per visit than the least expensive city, Minneapolis. In fact, St. Cloud hits the top for an eye doctor visit and a dentist trip, although the price differentials aren’t as large.

Minnesota goods and services prices

Most cities in Minnesota hit above the national average when it comes to goods and services. These are all the items you put on the monthly budget that you could do without in a pinch. They include social activities, like grabbing a burger with friends, and maintenance tasks, like getting your hair cut.

The more items you have in this category, the higher your cost of living in Minnesota goes. Can you do without any if you had to?

  • Mankato is 4.8 percent below the national average
  • St. Paul is 5.3 percent above the national average
  • Minneapolis is 5.9 percent above the national average
  • St. Cloud is 6.5 percent about the national average

To decide if some budget cuts are necessary, based on these averages, it’s best to look at how much individual goods or services cost in each city. These are a few popular ones.

Although St. Cloud has the highest average when it comes to goods and services, it’s rarely the highest priced individually. Instead, that honor shifts based on what specifically you’re looking for. Minneapolis is the most expensive place to take a yoga class, and St. Paul has the highest haircut prices. When it comes to a burger, you’re going to pay the most in Mankato. Every city has its own pluses and minuses when it comes to pricing out all your bonus activities.

Taxes in Minnesota

Minnesota has a graduated income tax that hits four specific rates based on your income. You’ll either get taxed at 5.35 percent, 7.05 percent, 7.85 percent or 9.85 percent.

Sales tax in the state is a little less complex. Minnesota has a statewide rate of 6.875 percent. Localities are able to add an additional 2 percent to that total. At the maximum, for every $1,000 you spend shopping, $88.75 goes toward taxes.

Most cities don’t max out their sale tax.

  • St. Cloud is 7.625 percent
  • St. Paul and Mankato is 7.875 percent
  • Minneapolis is 8.025 percent

These rates align pretty closely with the average throughout Minnesota. Across the entire state, the combined average sales tax is 7.49 percent.

How much do I need to earn to live in Minnesota?

When analyzing the cost of living in Minnesota, being able to afford rent is at the top of your list. It will most likely be your biggest expense, and one that’s ongoing, at least until you decide to buy a property and pay a mortgage.

To calculate how much you’d need to earn to afford rent, you can refer to the experts. They suggest that 30 percent of your household income goes to this cost. With the average rent in Minnesota being $1,304, you’d need to make at least $52,160 for all the numbers to align.

The good news is the average household income in Minnesota is $74,593, so you’re well on your way to affording an average apartment, or even one with a few extras. To be sure, though, you can plug your specific information into our rent calculator.

Living in Minnesota

With all those lakes and the Mall of Americas, there’s really nothing that isn’t contained within Minnesota. As a great place for business, you can work hard, shop hard and hit nature hard all without going too far from home. What’s even better is that all this is pretty affordable.

The cost of living in Minnesota makes it accessible to most, but in order to figure out if it will work for you, make sure to take a close look at your own budget and must-haves. You may even find your ideal Minnesota city in the process.

Related articles:

The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of August 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com

Apache is functioning normally

The best places to live in Illinois criss-cross the state. You can always head to the dense urban centers or live close by in the suburbs. But, that’s the great thing about Illinois — that you have options. With a reasonably low cost of living, outside of the Windy City, Illinois offers up a variety of cities, each with their own special characteristics and charm.

To find the right spot for your budget, breaking down the cost of living in Illinois helps a lot. Looking at average pricing in key areas can make it easier to narrow down your options, and get you moved into this great state even faster.

So, what are these key categories you ask?

Illinois housing prices

Housing prices in Illinois are all over the map. Some cities crash through the ceiling of the national average, making them expensive places to live. Others are so far below, you won’t believe it. With plenty of options, though, finding that perfect home is easy, whether you’re looking to rent or buy.

Champaign

A small enough city to provide both urban vibes and quieter rural ones, Champaign is known for its art scene, food and parks. The city also draws in a lot of college students thanks to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which bridges the gap between Champaign and its neighbor, Urbana. Living here is very budget-friendly, as well as fun. Housing prices are 31 percent below the national average.

Rental prices in Champaign are still within reach for most, even with rising prices. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $874, down 3 percent from last year. A typical two-bedroom rents out for $1,042 per month, up 11 percent over last year.

Housing prices rose 18.5 percent over last year, with the median home price in Champaign at $205,000.

Chicago

There’s so much to say about Chicago, that it’s hard to know where to start. The city offers up so much to do, all of which come at a pretty high price. Home prices here are 52.9 percent above the national average. Like other big cities, Chicago has it all, and a lot of it. There are more restaurants and museums, bigger shopping and a brighter nightlife. Chicago also has a lot of parks and a sizable area of lakefront for hanging out outdoors. It’s a typical city, with great neighborhoods, but living in the thick of things will cost you.

When it comes to apartments, rents aren’t rising by too much, but that doesn’t mean prices are low. A one-bedroom apartment, up 11 percent over last year, has an average rent of $1,947. A two-bedroom apartment, up only 12 percent over last year, has an average rent of $2,597. That’s the most expensive yet by far.

Up only slightly in price, the median home price in Chicago is $370,000, a 4.5 percent increase over last year.

Danville

While still very much a small town in its essence, Danville is a perfect spot for outdoor lovers. Located on Lake Vermilion, there’s no shortage of water-based activities, hiking, fishing and more. A strong sense of community makes local festivals all the more fun. The biggest perk is the cost of living. Home prices especially make Danville more accessible to any budget as numbers are 44 percent below the national average.

The average rent in Danville is $788 per month, and home prices average out to around $250,000. This makes for a large selection of reasonably-priced real estate for any newcomer.

Peoria

A laid-back town with a few entrenched industries offering plenty of employment opportunities, Peoria provides a perfect lifestyle. Sidling up to the Illinois River, there’s great hiking and water-based activities. The bars, restaurants and casinos make for delicious times and a fun nightlife. Living here is also very affordable, at 29.1 percent below the national average.

Apartment costs are on the rise, and rents are up significantly over last year. One-bedroom apartments saw a 28 percent increase, for an average monthly rent of $1,008. Two-bedroom apartments saw a 24 percent increase, for an average monthly rent of $1,272.

Although rents are going up, home prices are going down. The median sale price in Peoria is $139,900, down 7.6 percent over last year.

Springfield

Getting closer to the national average, home prices in Springfield are only 10.4 percent below it. This still leaves a lot of wiggle room for affordable housing in the state capital. Springfield holds a lot of history and feels more suburban than anything else. However, its assortments of bars and restaurants help keep the city attractive to younger professionals.

Rental prices in Springfield are moving at the same pace but in opposite directions. One-bedroom rents went down by 15 percent over last year, while two-bedroom rents increased by 15 percent. An average one-bed apartment is currently $750 a month, while two-bedrooms are an affordable $1,100 per month.

Homes in Springfield are working a little differently in the market. Their prices are up by 6.4 percent over last year, so interest in owning property here is definitely growing. The median home price in Springfield is $154,250, still quite affordable for many.

Illinois food prices

From Chicago-style pizza to hot dogs done right, Illinois knows food. Locals spend between $200 and $233 per month on groceries. This most likely leaves room for a night or two each week out since food prices all hit pretty close to the national average.

  • Danville is 4.7 percent below the national average
  • Champaign is 4.6 percent below the national average
  • Springfield is 1.3 percent below the national average
  • Peoria is 1 percent below the national average
  • Chicago is 3.1 percent above the national average

While it may not surprise you that this is the order of cities when it comes to overall food prices, the cost of individual items on your grocery list won’t always fall into the same patterns. Although parmesan in Chicago is almost a dollar more than in Danville, bread is the most expensive in Peoria. To get a real read on what your food prices will be and how they will impact your cost of living in Illinois, it’s best to look at a few specific prices.

Illinois utility prices

Utilities in Illinois are all below the national average. This means that costs for electricity, gas, water and even internet don’t get too high at any given point.

  • Peoria is 8.2 percent below the national average
  • Champaign is 7.8 percent below the national average
  • Danville is 7.7 percent below the national average
  • Chicago is 1.4 percent below the national average
  • Springfield is 0.2 percent below the national average

It’s nice to see Chicago slip out of the most expensive spot. It means the cost of living in Illinois isn’t always super high in that one city. Other cities shoulder the burden of high expenses, too.

You can see this subtle change in averages when looking at a typical monthly energy bill across our cities. Springfield has the highest at $179.75, and Peoria is the lowest at $144.39. What’s also interesting to see is that the other cities’ averages lean more toward Peoria prices than Springfield’s. Even Chicago’s average energy bill is only about $12.50 more than Peoria’s.

It’s also worth noting that Illinois is working toward increasing its wind energy across the state. Currently, only 7.6 percent of Illinois’ electricity comes from wind power, but the state is working toward increasing that. This could help to lower energy bills even further down the road.

Illinois transportation prices

Even if you just look at Chicago alone, transportation is big in Illinois. That includes the trifecta of getting around — your feet, the train (or bus) and a car.

All modes of transportation are big businesses in Illinois. Even parking can cost you an arm and a leg in the right spot, so it’s no surprise that city averages are pretty high.

  • Champaign is 6.2 percent below the national average
  • Danville is 1 percent above the national average
  • Peoria is 6.5 percent above the national average
  • Springfield is 10 percent above the national average
  • Chicago is 33.7 percent above the national average

To keep your own transportation budget in check, consider replacing owning a vehicle with riding the bus or train. Even if you paid for a monthly pass and rode public transportation to and from work all week, while still having a car for weekends, you’d most likely save big when it came to gas and parking.

Chicago CTA

Operating both the ‘L’ Train and the bus, the CTA is the second largest public transportation system in the country. There are eight trains along the elevated train, or ‘L’, and 129 bus routes across Chicago.

A regular fare on the ‘L’ is $2.50, but it’s only $2.25 on the bus. Transfers are free and passes are available that work with both modes of transportation. A 30-day pass is $75, but 7-day passes are only $20.

Springfield SMTD

With a long list of bus lines that include a state fair shuttle, night service routes and a bullet bus, nobody can claim the SMTD isn’t a thorough system.

A single-ride fare is $1.25, but passes are available. These passes are good for a certain number of rides rather than a specific time period. You can buy a standard discount pass, good for 20 rides, for $20.

Peoria CityLink

With 17 bus routes, CityLink makes good on its promise to connect customers to where they want to go in an efficient and safe manner.

A single-ride fare is $1, but you’ll really save big with a 30-day pass. For only $40, the pass is good starting on the first day you use it.

Illinois healthcare prices

Looking at healthcare across Illinois, it’s easy to see a correlation between price and city size. The larger cities definitely have higher averages, making it very obvious that where you live affects your cost of living.

When it comes to healthcare — the doctors, urgent care visits and prescription medications, most of our cities fall under the national average, unless big and densely populated.

  • Danville is 15.9 percent below the national average
  • Champaign is 13.8 percent below the national average
  • Peoria is 6 percent below the national average
  • Springfield is 2.3 percent above the national average
  • Chicago is 21 percent above the national average

It’s a big jump between average healthcare costs in Champaign and Chicago. Big enough that you’ll see the difference when looking at the average costs of specific medical bills. An average trip to the doctor’s in Chicago is 59 percent more than going in Champaign.

Seeing an eye doctor in Chicago is 48 percent more costly than having that same appointment in Champaign. Even just looking at these two examples makes it very apparent how much your budget can skew in an area like healthcare depending on where you live.

Illinois goods and services

The cost of living in Illinois, when it comes to goods and services is relatively good across the board. Of course, that’s only if you leave out Chicago, which again skews the numbers.

  • Springfield is 12.1 percent below the national average
  • Peoria is 5.8 percent below the national average
  • Danville is 5.2 percent below the national average
  • Champaign is 4.2 percent below the national average
  • Chicago is 21 percent above the national average

Goods and services include all those extras in your monthly budget. They’re the nights out with friends, the treats you give yourself and a few practical extras. All combined they’re usually the first items to go when money gets tight, but how do you prioritize? Looking at specific costs can help you do that. It can also help you really see which cities might be too much for your budget.

Surprisingly, Chicago does not take the top spot for everything. When it comes to dry cleaning, it’s one of the least expensive cities. It does, however, rank at No. 1 in every other category. The least expensive city shifts from column to column, meaning you can never really say that one city is the “least expensive.”

Taxes in Illinois

Illinois residents pay a flat income tax each year of 4.95 percent. This means that regardless of how much money you make, you’re taxed the same. For those making less, this can feel frustrating, but overall the rate isn’t too high.

When it comes to sales tax, the state rate is 6.25 percent. On top of that, localities are able to add an additional 4.75 percent. This means that the maximum amount of sales tax you could pay in Illinois is a whopping 11 percent. At that rate, for every $1,000 you spent shopping, $110 would go straight to taxes.

Unfortunately, all of our cities lean in pretty close to that maximum amount.

  • The sales tax rate in Champaign and Peoria is 9 percent
  • The sales tax rate in Danville is 9.25 percent
  • The sales tax rate in Springfield is 9.74 percent
  • The sales tax rate in Chicago is 10.25 percent

The average rate across the state is 8.81 percent, so there are definitely cities that opt for lower sales tax than this sampling.

How much do I need to earn to live in Illinois?

To live comfortably anywhere, you need to afford rent. Experts suggest you spend around 30 percent of your annual salary on this particular expense, so there are two ways to calculate how much you should earn to guarantee you can pay for a place to live. The first is to plug some numbers into our rent calculator. This tool will help you make sure your budget aligns with the cost of living in Illinois.

The second way is to do a little estimating. You can use the average rent in Illinois, $1,442, to calculate a minimum income. From there, you can compare the average annual income for the state to see if things match up. This would put the odds in your favor.

With the average rent, you’d need to earn at least $57,680 to put 30 percent toward this monthly bill. This is good news since the average annual salary in Illinois is $59,650. It’s just a tiny bit above, but that little extra means less stress when it comes to apartment hunting.

Living in Illinois

With so much to see and do, a strong economy, a whole lot of sports teams and some amazing food, you’d be hard-pressed to argue against living in Illinois. And, with many cities being so affordable, it’s a state that could fit into your budget. So, grab a map and start checking those numbers. There could be a move in your future.

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The Cost of Living Index comes from coli.org.
The rent information included in this summary is based on a calculation of multifamily rental property inventory on Rent. as of August 2022.
Rent prices are for illustrative purposes only. This information does not constitute a pricing guarantee or financial advice related to the rental market.

Source: rent.com