How much more expensive life in New York is than the US average

Data on the cost of living in New York was published on the project website Expatistan. They are current as of December 2020. We compared them to average US prices.

According to this project, the estimated monthly cost for a family of four in the United States is $ 6976. If we are talking about one person without a family, then his expenses will average $ 4346.

New York City ranks fourth in the cost of living in the world (4 out of 205), and in first place in America (1 out of 44).

Foodstuffs

• A basic lunch menu (including a drink) in the business district will cost $ 17 (hereinafter, in parentheses, data on the price of the same product or service on average for the United States is given - $ 15).
• Combined dish in a fast food restaurant (like "Big Mac menu") - $ 9 ($ 8).
• 500 grams (1 lb.) chicken breast - $ 6 ($ 4,24)
• 1 liter of whole fat milk - $ 1,11 ($ 0,88).
• 12 eggs - $ 4,47 ($ 2,99)
• 1 kg (2 lb) tomatoes - $ 5,34 ($ 4,08)
• 500 grams (16 ounces) of local cheese - $ 8 ($ 6)
• 1 kg (2 lb) apples - $ 4,31 ($ 3,27)
• 1 kg (2 lb) potatoes - $ 1,94 ($ 1,63)
• 0,5 L (16 oz) of local beer at the supermarket - $ 5,92 ($ 3,12)
• 1 bottle of good quality red table wine - $ 16 ($ 15).
• 2 liters of Coca-Cola - $ 2,28 ($ 1,99)
• Bread for two people for 1 day - $ 2,90 ($ 2).

Accomodation

• Monthly rent for 85 sq. m (900 sq. ft.) of furnished housing in an expensive area will cost $ 3835 ($ 2239).
• Monthly rent for 85 sq. m (900 sq. ft.) of furnished housing in a common area - $ 2847 ($ 1576).
• Utilities for 1 month (heating, electricity, gas, etc.) for 2 people in an apartment of 85 sq. m - $ 170 ($ 176).
• Monthly rental of a furnished studio of 45 sq. m. (480 sq. ft.) in an expensive area - $ 2 ($ 879).
• Monthly rent for a furnished studio of 45 sq. m (480 sq. ft.) in the usual area - $ 1 ($ 832).
• Utilities for 1 month (heating, electricity, gas, etc.) for 1 person in a studio of 45 sq. m (480 sq. ft.) - $ 97 ($ 109).
• Internet 8 Mbps (1 month) - $ 54 ($ 47).
• 40-inch flat-screen TV - $ 306 ($ 273)
• Microwave 800/900 watt (Bosch, Panasonic, LG, Sharp or similar) - $ 196 ($ 124)
• Laundry Detergent (3L ~ 100oz) - $ 13 ($ 11).
• Hourly wage for cleaning assistance - $ 22 ($ 21).

On the subject: How real life in New York works and how much it costs: the experience of a Ukrainian tourist who has become local

Apparel

• 1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) - $ 56 ($ 48)
• 1 summer dress at Zara, H&M or similar store - $ 39 ($ 44).
• 1 pair of athletic shoes (Nike, Adidas, or similar brands) - $ 84 ($ 87)
• 1 pair of men's leather business shoes - $ 113 ($ 109).

Transport

• Volkswagen golf 1.4 tsi 150 cv (or equivalent), no additional services, new - $ 30 879 ($ 23 437).
• 1 liter (1/4 gallon) gasoline - $ 0,80 ($ 0,67)
• A monthly public transport pass is $ 127 ($ 77).
• Taxi ride on a weekday, basic rate, 8 km (5 miles) - $ 23.

Personal hygiene

• Cold medicine for 6 days (Tylenol, Coldrex or similar brands) - $ 10 ($ 7).
• 1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) - $ 26 ($ 18).
• A short visit to a private doctor (15 minutes) - $ 177 ($ 111).
• 1 pack of 32 tampons (Tampax, OB and others) - $ 9 ($ 7).
• Roll-On Deodorant (50 ml ~ 1,5 oz) - $ 4,49 ($ 3,46).
• 2-in-1 Shampoo (400ml ~ 12oz) - $ 7 ($ 5,06);
• 4 rolls of toilet paper - $ 34,75 ($ 3,64)
• Tube of toothpaste - $ 2,30 ($ 1,81)
• The standard men's haircut in the immigrant area is $ 27 ($ 21).

Entertainment

• Basic dinner for two in a nearby pub - $ 64 ($ 45).
• 2 cinema tickets - $ 35 ($ 25).
• 2 theater tickets (best seats) - $ 422 ($ 222)
• Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the immigrant area including appetizer, main course, wine and dessert - $ 130 ($ 80).
• 1 cocktail at a club in the city center - $ 18 ($ 12).
• Cappuccino in the expatriate area of ​​the city - $ 5,29 ($ 4,94).
• 1 beer in the pub next door (500 ml or 1 pint) - $ 8 ($ 5,86).
• IPad wi-fi 128GB - $ 410 ($ 402)
• 1 minute of prepaid mobile plan (no discounts and plans) - $ 0,48 ($ 0,40).
• 1 month downtown gym membership - $ 104 ($ 53)
• 1 pack of Marlboro cigarettes - $ 15 ($ 8).

The above prices are based on extensive data and are reliable, the source notes. They were last updated on December 4, 2020.

Read more about how much life in the USA costs on the website ForumDaily.