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Cost of Living in the United States of America (USA)

Food Price in $
12 eggs dozen, large 12.50 USD
1 beer pint in local shops, markets 7 USD
1 kg of tomatoes 8.50 USD
Full chicken 2kg 38.75 USD
1litre 100% fruit juice 8.50 USD
1 package of cigarettes imported brands 25 USD
1 kg (2 lb.) of apples 7.50 USD
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality 48.95 USD
2.5 liters of Coca-Cola 0.95 USD
1 Bread loaf standard 9.50 USD
Whole fat Yogurt. 500ml 12 USD
1x6 pack Dardanelle tuna 18.50 USD
Heinz baked beans 1 tin 8 USD
1.5 kg Sugar 10 USD
2 liter cooking oil 20 USD
Yum-yum noodles per pack 2.00 USD
1 kg (2 lb.) of potatoes 5.50 USD
1 liter milk 8.50 USD
Fast food restaurant large serving/ take away 25 USD
Housing
Utilities per month (water, electricity, gas) for 2 people in flat 165 USD
Wi-Fi monthly fee 8 Mbps (1 month) 145 USD
Laundry detergent (bleach, sunlight liquid, washing surf… altogether) 58.50 USD
House Cleaning fee per day 105 USD
Large Gas heater price range upwards. 200 USD
Original branded Electric Fans 200 USD
Original branded Electric kettle. 120 USD
40 inches Beko flat screen HD TV set 2000 USD
Single bed Blankets 120 USD
Personal Care
Avon for women and men cologne 100 USD
Ladies hair plaiting. 60 USD
Ladies Sanitaryware (Pads and Tampoons) 18 USD
Men's haircut 40 USD
Ibuprofen, Panadol, Grandpa Pain killers box of 12 dosses 24.50 USD
Mobile package local network providers’ talk-time, data and messages 65 USD
1 month of gym subscription. 105 USD
Earphones original (Samsung. iPhone) 90 USD
Unisex Loris perfume 30 USD
Gadgets maintenance and repairs (cellphone, laptops, tablets...) starting price. 100 USD
Smart phones (Samsung, Xiaomi, HTC, IPhone) price range upwards 1000 USD
Laptops (Samsung, Lenovo, Hp, Monster, Dell etc.) price range upwards 3000 USD
Entertainment
Boat cruise with refreshments and finger snacks 120 USD
Go carting 30mins 120 USD
Movie House 3d cinema 30 USD
Summer Festivals (jet, bumper cars, lucky deep ...(per ticket) 15 USD
Photo shoot 120 USD
Cappuccino / expresso/ coffee 12.50 USD
3 course dinner local restaurant two people 96.50 USD
3 course dinner classy, exotic restaurant two people 150 USD
Play station 4 console without games. 2000 USD
Spalding Basketball 200 USD
Original branded Racket and Wilson’s tennis balls 500 USD
Transportation
Taxi fare on average 5-10km 45 USD
Public transport per trip one way maximum fare 30 USD
1 liter petrol/diesel 6.50 USD
1 day rent a car cost 140 USD
Driver’s license 2300 USD
Clothes
1 pair of jeans (Denim or similar) 150 USD
1 pair of men’s formal shoes 215 USD
1 pair original sport/casual shoes (Nike, Adidas, or equivalent brands) 280 USD
1 classy summer dress (Zara, H&M or similar retailers) 135.79 USD
Ladies formal shoes original and durable 120 USD
Back-pack, gym bag (Nike, Adidas, New balance) 150 USD

The cost of living in the USA differs from state to state, considering the fact that the country is very huge. Some places have less living costs and some others are basically pocket-friendly especially for cities.

The top three most expensive states in the US are San Francisco, New York, San Jose and the cheapest states in the USA are Iowa, Indiana, and Alabama.

The minimum wage in the USA is about $7 an hour and the average income stands at about $13,000 before taxes. However many states in the USA have different minimum wages e.g Washington DC has the highest minimum wage of $11 an hour and Georgia having the lowest at $5 an hour.

Living expenses greatly depend on where individuals decide to reside or in the case of students where their schools are located with smaller cities or towns incurring less than bigger cities or within the city center.

In a small town, students can get housing apartments for about $300 to $800 for a month with utilities included. Also, a studio apartment costs about $500 per month and is a very common option amongst foreigners in the country.

Studio apartments in the city center cost as much as $1,600 and a two-bedroom apartment can cost as much as $2,500 for a month. Cable TV and internet are $100 for a month and electricity and gas come as a collective energy bill which is about $150 per month.

An average healthcare plan can range from $250 - $350 for an individual unless you have low income or are a student. Students have healthcare insurance arranged with their tuition by their university, these plans are very effective and favorable for international students in the long run.

Smokers or students with special illnesses can have their medical bills come up a bit higher than the average especially if they do not have any medical insurance. An average visit to the doctors cost about $30 to $50 with or without insurance.

Transportation in the United States is one of the best in the world and even better is the fact that it is very cheap for the average resident and even students. There are train systems, buses, taxis, and even ride-sharing options. Students who live on campus also rely on the many on-campus means of transport which are basically free.

Transport costs for a short distance train or bus ride cost $2.5 on the average and longer trips cost $5 on the average as well.