While Rhode Island is the smallest state in the nation, it packs a lot of charm and natural beauty into its 1,214 square miles. Living in the Ocean State gives you access to its 400 miles of scenic coastline, quaint seaside towns and fresh, delicious seafood. Life is laidback and easy. But, as is the case with most New England states, the overall cost of living in Rhode Island is on the high side.
You’ll find that cities like Providence and popular coastal retreats like Newport have the most expensive cost of living. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t find nearby towns or cities that are more affordable. No matter where you live in Rhode Island, you’re never far from its vibrant cities, picturesque coast and fantastic art, culture and dining. This in-depth look at Rhode Island’s cost of living will help you find the best city or town to call home.
Rhode Island housing prices
That romantic vision of living in a seaside town or city in New England will cost you big in Rhode Island. Housing costs here are well above the national average. You can expect high rental rates and home prices throughout the state, with the highest rates in popular cities like Providence and Newport. The good news is that more reasonably-priced towns are never far away from major urban centers. So, you’re likely to find lower rents and home prices in the general area you want to live in.
In Rhode Island, housing costs are 19.6 percent above the national average. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Providence climbed 34 percent from last year to $2,410. Two-bedroom units have an average monthly rent of $2,700, up 12 percent from last year.
In Newport, another major Rhode Island city, one-bedroom units are $2,000 and two-bedroom apartments are $2,500. You’ll be paying around $1,550 for a one-bedroom and $1,750 in Cranston, Rhode Island’s second-most-populous city.
The median sale price to buy a house in Providence has gone up 14.1 percent over the past year to $405,000. This is fairly close to the national median sale price of $428,006.
Rhode Island food prices
Seafood lovers will have a field day living in Rhode Island. This coastal state has tons of famous seafood dishes, like Rhode Island clam chowder, clam cakes and Rhode Island-style calamari. Rhode Island is also famous for its domestic chicken breed the Rhode Island Red. But, for access to all these unique local specialties, you’ll be paying more than the national average.
For total grocery costs, Rhode Island is 8.7 percent above the national average. Even though food costs here are elevated, the amount of money that Rhode Island residents spend on food each month is pretty middle-of-the-road. The average Rhode Island local spends between $233 and $266 a month on food. Annually, that comes out to between $2,801 and $3,200.
Luckily, food costs in Providence are significantly cheaper than the statewide average. They actually fall 1.2 percent below the national average.
As a few examples of food prices in Providence, a dozen eggs cost $2.13. Buying a half-gallon of milk will set you back $2.19, and a loaf of bread is $4.27.
Rhode Island utility prices
When it comes to utilities like electricity and water, you’ll be paying more than the national average living in Rhode Island. In the capital city, it’s especially high at 22.9 percent above the national average.
As an example of how high utilities costs are in Providence, let’s look at some average monthly bills. Total energy costs for the month come out to around $242.81 in Providence. For water, the average statewide bill is $28.
This New England state relies on natural gas for the majority of its electric generation, followed by hydropower and petroleum. Reservoirs and rivers supply the drinking water.
Rhode Island transportation prices
One of the benefits of living in Rhode Island is that its small size allows mass transit almost everywhere. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority provides public transportation throughout the state with its fleet of buses and vans. Its main hub is Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence. Bigger cities like Providence and Newport have larger, extensive systems with more frequent service and stops. But rural, regional and express long-distance routes between cities are also available, as well as paratransit and vanpool commuting options.
If you don’t want to use a bus, this coastal state also has ferry routes. The private Seastreak company operates a Providence to Newport ferry route between coastal cities like Providence, Bristol and Newport. One-way fares cost $12 and roundtrip is $24.
If you do plan on using a car, Rhode Island does have some toll roads and bridges. Although I-95, a major interstate highway that runs through the entire state, does have tolls, those only apply to commercial trucks and tractor trailers. The Clairborne Pell/Newport Bridge near Newport charges a $2 toll for residents with E-ZPass and $3 otherwise.
Using public transportation is a great way to save money. It’s also more environmentally friendly and can reduce traffic congestion and commuting times. But the total cost of transportation in Rhode Island cities is above the national average. So, whether or not using mass transit saves you money depends on your personal situation.
As Rhode Island’s capital city and most populous urban center, transportation costs are higher in Providence at 6.9 percent above the national average.
RIPTA in Providence
Providence is one of the main hubs for RIPTA service, centered around downtown’s Kennedy Plaza. A range of fixed-route, rapid bus and high-frequency routes run through the city center, with some routes extending out into the metro area. A one-way ride costs $2 and a day pass is $6. Using the WAVE fare collection system, a monthly pass is available for $70. You can pay fares in cash or with the WAVE card or app.
Overall, RIPTA does a decent job of connecting Providence through mass transit. Its transit score is 56. As a compact coastal city, you can also easily get around Providence on foot or by bike, as well. It has high scores in both areas, with a walk score of 84 and a bike score of 69.
Rhode Island healthcare prices
If you’re looking for a state that offers good healthcare for reasonable prices, Rhode Island fits the bill. It ranks ninth in the nation for its overall healthcare and is fourth in the nation for healthcare access. The quality of its healthcare and general public health is also high.
The costs for this high-quality level of care are also reasonable. For example, the average cost to go to a doctor’s office in the state capital is $132.24.
If you want to go to the dentist in Providence, it costs around $115. Several of the top-ranked hospitals in Rhode Island are also located in Providence, giving locals near-instant access to top-tier care. The overall cost of healthcare in Providence is almost on-par with the national average at only 0.7 percent above the national average.
It’s difficult to calculate average healthcare costs, though. Based on personal factors like pre-existing conditions or medication needs, healthcare costs vary widely from person to person. The above healthcare figures are rough estimates, so you may pay more or less for things like doctor’s visits depending on your healthcare needs.
Rhode Island goods and services prices
Living in Rhode Island, you’ll be paying more than the national average for miscellaneous goods and services. Overall, those costs are 13.8 percent above the national average.
But, compared to other big cities in the region, it’s more affordable in Providence. Paying for a haircut in nearby Boston is $43.33, but in Providence, it only costs $28.67. Want to go to a movie? You’ll pay $13.83 for tickets in Providence compared to $14.96 in Boston. But, some services are more expensive here than in other regional cities. In Hartford, CT, which is just over an hour from Providence, dry cleaning costs $16.99. In Providence, that dry cleaning bill will be closer to $17.50.
Taxes in Rhode Island
When calculating your monthly budget and expenses, taxes are sometimes overlooked. But whether in the form of sales tax or income tax, living in a state with high tax rates does have an impact on your bottom line. If you’re living in a city with high sales tax, it can quickly whittle away at your budget. Knowing tax rates in your state will help you better understand and prepare for spending.
In Rhode Island, the statewide sales tax is 7 percent. That means that, if you spend $1,000 on clam cakes and other local goodies, you’ll be paying an additional $70 in sales tax.
While 7 percent is a decent mark-up, the good news is that cities and counties in Rhode Island don’t levy a local sales tax. That means that the sales tax rate in Providence is the same as the statewide rate of 7 percent.
For income tax, Rhode Island has a graduated individual income tax system. Rates range from 3.75 percent to 5.99 percent depending on your income level.
How much do I need to earn to live in Rhode Island?
As you can see, the cost of living in Rhode Island is expensive. So, how much do you need to make to afford to live there?
Usually, your biggest monthly expense is housing costs like rent or a mortgage payment. Experts recommend that you only spend 30 percent of your gross monthly income on rent. This general rule of thumb ensures that you have plenty of money left over after paying rent for other expenses like food and utilities.
In order to afford Rhode Island’s average rent of $2,196, you need to make $7,320 a month or $87,840 annually. However, the median household income in Rhode Island is $70,305 and the average salary is $65,317. So, some residents may struggle to follow the 30 percent rule and will need to spend more on housing.
Our rent calculator can help you determine what you can afford to pay in rent based on your income, expenses and location.
Living in Rhode Island
As you’ve seen, living in Rhode Island isn’t always cheap. Access to its scenic coastlines, fun cities and great cuisine requires a high income or flexibility with living outside the major cities. But, since you can find lower rents in smaller cities and towns, you can enjoy Rhode Island’s charms at a variety of price points.
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.
While Rhode Island is the smallest state in the nation, it packs a lot of charm and natural beauty into its 1,214 square miles. Living in the Ocean State gives you access to its 400 miles of scenic coastline, quaint seaside towns and fresh, delicious seafood. Life is laidback and easy. But, as is the case with most New England states, the overall cost of living in Rhode Island is on the high side.
You’ll find that cities like Providence and popular coastal retreats like Newport have the most expensive cost of living. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t find nearby towns or cities that are more affordable. No matter where you live in Rhode Island, you’re never far from its vibrant cities, picturesque coast and fantastic art, culture and dining. This in-depth look at Rhode Island’s cost of living will help you find the best city or town to call home.
Rhode Island housing prices
That romantic vision of living in a seaside town or city in New England will cost you big in Rhode Island. Housing costs here are well above the national average. You can expect high rental rates and home prices throughout the state, with the highest rates in popular cities like Providence and Newport. The good news is that more reasonably-priced towns are never far away from major urban centers. So, you’re likely to find lower rents and home prices in the general area you want to live in.
In Rhode Island, housing costs are 19.6 percent above the national average. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Providence climbed 34 percent from last year to $2,410. Two-bedroom units have an average monthly rent of $2,700, up 12 percent from last year.
In Newport, another major Rhode Island city, one-bedroom units are $2,000 and two-bedroom apartments are $2,500. You’ll be paying around $1,550 for a one-bedroom and $1,750 in Cranston, Rhode Island’s second-most-populous city.
The median sale price to buy a house in Providence has gone up 14.1 percent over the past year to $405,000. This is fairly close to the national median sale price of $428,006.
Rhode Island food prices
Seafood lovers will have a field day living in Rhode Island. This coastal state has tons of famous seafood dishes, like Rhode Island clam chowder, clam cakes and Rhode Island-style calamari. Rhode Island is also famous for its domestic chicken breed the Rhode Island Red. But, for access to all these unique local specialties, you’ll be paying more than the national average.
For total grocery costs, Rhode Island is 8.7 percent above the national average. Even though food costs here are elevated, the amount of money that Rhode Island residents spend on food each month is pretty middle-of-the-road. The average Rhode Island local spends between $233 and $266 a month on food. Annually, that comes out to between $2,801 and $3,200.
Luckily, food costs in Providence are significantly cheaper than the statewide average. They actually fall 1.2 percent below the national average.
As a few examples of food prices in Providence, a dozen eggs cost $2.13. Buying a half-gallon of milk will set you back $2.19, and a loaf of bread is $4.27.
Rhode Island utility prices
When it comes to utilities like electricity and water, you’ll be paying more than the national average living in Rhode Island. In the capital city, it’s especially high at 22.9 percent above the national average.
As an example of how high utilities costs are in Providence, let’s look at some average monthly bills. Total energy costs for the month come out to around $242.81 in Providence. For water, the average statewide bill is $28.
This New England state relies on natural gas for the majority of its electric generation, followed by hydropower and petroleum. Reservoirs and rivers supply the drinking water.
Rhode Island transportation prices
One of the benefits of living in Rhode Island is that its small size allows mass transit almost everywhere. The Rhode Island Public Transit Authority provides public transportation throughout the state with its fleet of buses and vans. Its main hub is Kennedy Plaza in downtown Providence. Bigger cities like Providence and Newport have larger, extensive systems with more frequent service and stops. But rural, regional and express long-distance routes between cities are also available, as well as paratransit and vanpool commuting options.
If you don’t want to use a bus, this coastal state also has ferry routes. The private Seastreak company operates a Providence to Newport ferry route between coastal cities like Providence, Bristol and Newport. One-way fares cost $12 and roundtrip is $24.
If you do plan on using a car, Rhode Island does have some toll roads and bridges. Although I-95, a major interstate highway that runs through the entire state, does have tolls, those only apply to commercial trucks and tractor trailers. The Clairborne Pell/Newport Bridge near Newport charges a $2 toll for residents with E-ZPass and $3 otherwise.
Using public transportation is a great way to save money. It’s also more environmentally friendly and can reduce traffic congestion and commuting times. But the total cost of transportation in Rhode Island cities is above the national average. So, whether or not using mass transit saves you money depends on your personal situation.
As Rhode Island’s capital city and most populous urban center, transportation costs are higher in Providence at 6.9 percent above the national average.
RIPTA in Providence
Providence is one of the main hubs for RIPTA service, centered around downtown’s Kennedy Plaza. A range of fixed-route, rapid bus and high-frequency routes run through the city center, with some routes extending out into the metro area. A one-way ride costs $2 and a day pass is $6. Using the WAVE fare collection system, a monthly pass is available for $70. You can pay fares in cash or with the WAVE card or app.
Overall, RIPTA does a decent job of connecting Providence through mass transit. Its transit score is 56. As a compact coastal city, you can also easily get around Providence on foot or by bike, as well. It has high scores in both areas, with a walk score of 84 and a bike score of 69.
Rhode Island healthcare prices
If you’re looking for a state that offers good healthcare for reasonable prices, Rhode Island fits the bill. It ranks ninth in the nation for its overall healthcare and is fourth in the nation for healthcare access. The quality of its healthcare and general public health is also high.
The costs for this high-quality level of care are also reasonable. For example, the average cost to go to a doctor’s office in the state capital is $132.24.
If you want to go to the dentist in Providence, it costs around $115. Several of the top-ranked hospitals in Rhode Island are also located in Providence, giving locals near-instant access to top-tier care. The overall cost of healthcare in Providence is almost on-par with the national average at only 0.7 percent above the national average.
It’s difficult to calculate average healthcare costs, though. Based on personal factors like pre-existing conditions or medication needs, healthcare costs vary widely from person to person. The above healthcare figures are rough estimates, so you may pay more or less for things like doctor’s visits depending on your healthcare needs.
Rhode Island goods and services prices
Living in Rhode Island, you’ll be paying more than the national average for miscellaneous goods and services. Overall, those costs are 13.8 percent above the national average.
But, compared to other big cities in the region, it’s more affordable in Providence. Paying for a haircut in nearby Boston is $43.33, but in Providence, it only costs $28.67. Want to go to a movie? You’ll pay $13.83 for tickets in Providence compared to $14.96 in Boston. But, some services are more expensive here than in other regional cities. In Hartford, CT, which is just over an hour from Providence, dry cleaning costs $16.99. In Providence, that dry cleaning bill will be closer to $17.50.
Taxes in Rhode Island
When calculating your monthly budget and expenses, taxes are sometimes overlooked. But whether in the form of sales tax or income tax, living in a state with high tax rates does have an impact on your bottom line. If you’re living in a city with high sales tax, it can quickly whittle away at your budget. Knowing tax rates in your state will help you better understand and prepare for spending.
In Rhode Island, the statewide sales tax is 7 percent. That means that, if you spend $1,000 on clam cakes and other local goodies, you’ll be paying an additional $70 in sales tax.
While 7 percent is a decent mark-up, the good news is that cities and counties in Rhode Island don’t levy a local sales tax. That means that the sales tax rate in Providence is the same as the statewide rate of 7 percent.
For income tax, Rhode Island has a graduated individual income tax system. Rates range from 3.75 percent to 5.99 percent depending on your income level.
How much do I need to earn to live in Rhode Island?
As you can see, the cost of living in Rhode Island is expensive. So, how much do you need to make to afford to live there?
Usually, your biggest monthly expense is housing costs like rent or a mortgage payment. Experts recommend that you only spend 30 percent of your gross monthly income on rent. This general rule of thumb ensures that you have plenty of money left over after paying rent for other expenses like food and utilities.
In order to afford Rhode Island’s average rent of $2,196, you need to make $7,320 a month or $87,840 annually. However, the median household income in Rhode Island is $70,305 and the average salary is $65,317. So, some residents may struggle to follow the 30 percent rule and will need to spend more on housing.
Our rent calculator can help you determine what you can afford to pay in rent based on your income, expenses and location.
Living in Rhode Island
As you’ve seen, living in Rhode Island isn’t always cheap. Access to its scenic coastlines, fun cities and great cuisine requires a high income or flexibility with living outside the major cities. But, since you can find lower rents in smaller cities and towns, you can enjoy Rhode Island’s charms at a variety of price points.
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.
The Jefferson Avenue commercial district in Buffalo, New York, is anchored by a supermarket.
There are dozens of other businesses and services along the 12-block corridor — a couple of bank branches, a library, a coffee shop, gas stations, a small plaza with a dollar store and a primary care clinic and a business incubator for entrepreneurs of color.
But Tops Friendly Markets, the only grocery store on Buffalo’s vast East Side, is the center of activity. More than just a place to buy food, pick up medications and use an ATM, the store is a communal gathering space in a predominantly Black neighborhood that, for generations, has been segregated, isolated and disenfranchised from the wealthier — and whiter — parts of the city.
Which explains how it came to be the site of a mass shooting on a spring day in May of last year. On that Saturday, a gunman, who lived 200 miles away in another part of the state, drove to Jefferson Avenue and went into Tops, and in just a few minutes killed 10 people, injured three and inflicted mass trauma across the community.
It is a scenario that has sadly, and repeatedly, played out in other parts of the country that have experienced mass shootings. But this one came with a twist: The gunman’s intention was to kill as many Black people as possible.
To achieve that, he specifically targeted a ZIP code with one of the highest percentages of Black residents in New York state. All 10 who died that day were Black.
“The mere fact that someone can research, ‘Where will the greatest number of Black people be … on a Saturday morning,’ that’s not by chance,” said Franchelle Parker, a community organizer and executive director of Open Buffalo, a nonprofit focused on racial, economic and ecological justice. “That’s not a mistake. It’s a community that’s been deeply segregated for decades.”
The day of the shooting, Parker, who grew up in nearby Niagara Falls, was driving to Tops, where she planned to buy a donut and an unsweetened iced tea before heading into the Open Buffalo office, which is located a block away from Tops. The mother of two had intended to complete the mundane task of cleaning up her desk — “old coffee cups and stuff” — after a busy week.
She saw the news on Twitter and didn’t know if she should keep driving to Jefferson Avenue or turn around and go back home. She eventually picked the latter.
When she showed up the next day, there were thousands of people grieving in the streets. “The only way that I could explain my feeling, it was almost like watching an old war movie when a bomb had gone off and someone’s in, like, shell shock. That’s how it felt,” said Parker, vividly recounting the community’s collective trauma in a meeting room tucked inside of Open Buffalo’s second-story office on Jefferson Avenue.
Almost immediately following the May 14, 2022, massacre, which was the second-deadliest mass shooting in the United States last year, conversations locally and nationally turned to the harsh realities of the East Side and how long-standing factors that affect the daily life of residents — racism, poverty and inequity — made the community an ideal target for a white supremacist.
Now, more than a year after the tragedy, there is growing concern that not enough is being done fast enough to begin to dismantle those factors. And amid those conversations, there are mounting calls for the banking industry — whose historical policies and practices helped cement the racial segregation and disinvestment that ultimately shaped the East Side — to leverage its collective power and influence to band together in an effort to create systemic change.
The ideas about how banks should support the East Side and better embed themselves in the neighborhood vary by people and organizations. But the basic argument is the same: Banks, in their role as financiers and because of the industry’s history of lending discrimination, are obligated to bring forth economic prosperity in disinvested communities like the East Side.
I know banks are often looked upon sort of like a panacea, but I don’t particularly see it that way. I think others have a role to play in all of this.
Chiwuike Owunwanne, corporate responsibility officer at KeyBank
“Banks have been very good at providing charitable contributions to the Black community. They get an ‘A’ for that,” said The Rev. George Nicholas, an East Side pastor who is also CEO of the Buffalo Center for Health Equity, a four-year-old enterprise focused on racial, geographic and economic health disparities. “But doing the things that banks can do in terms of being a catalyst for revitalization and investment in this community, they have not done that.”
To be sure, banks’ ability to reverse the course of the community isn’t guaranteed — and there is no formula to determine how much accountability they should hold to fix deeply entrenched problems like racism. Several Buffalo-area bankers said that while the Tops shooting heightened the urgency to help the East Side, the industry itself cannot be the sole driver of change.
“There are a lot of institutions … that can certainly play a part in reversing the challenges that we see today,” said Chiwuike “Chi-Chi” Owunwanne, a corporate responsibility officer at KeyBank, the second-largest bank by deposits in Buffalo. “I know banks are often looked upon sort of like a panacea, but I don’t particularly see it that way. I think others have a role to play in all of this.”
A long history of segregation
How the East Side — and the Tops store on Jefferson Avenue — became the destination for a racially motivated mass murderer is a story about racism, segregation and disinvestment.
Even as it bears the nickname “the city of good neighbors,” Buffalo has long been one of the most racially segregated cities in the United States. Of the 114,965 residents who live on the East Side, 59% are Black, according to data from the 2021 U.S. Census American Community Survey. The percentage is even higher in the 14208 ZIP code, where the Tops store is located. In that ZIP code, among 11,029 total residents, nearly 76% are Black, the census data shows.
The city’s path toward racial segregation started in the early 20th century when a small number of job-seeking Black Americans migrated north to Buffalo, a former steel and auto manufacturing hub at the far northwestern end of New York state. Initially, they moved into the same neighborhoods as many of the city’s poorer immigrants and lived just east of what is today the city’s downtown district. As the number of Blacks arriving in Buffalo swelled in the 1940s, they were increasingly confronted with various housing challenges, including racist zoning laws and restrictive deed covenants that kept them from buying homes in more affluent white areas.
Black Buffalonians also faced housing discrimination in the form of redlining, the practice of restricting the flow of capital into minority communities. In 1933, as the Great Depression roiled the economy, a temporary federal agency known as the Home Owners’ Loan Corporation used government bonds to buy out and refinance mortgages of properties that were facing or already in foreclosure. The point was to try to stabilize the nation’s real estate market.
As part of its program, HOLC created maps of American cities, including Buffalo, that used a color coding scheme — green, blue, yellow and red — to convey the perceived riskiness of making loans in certain neighborhoods. Green was considered minimally risky; other areas that were largely populated by immigrant, Black or Latino residents were labeled red and thus determined to be “hazardous.”
“The goal was to free up mortgage capital by going to cities and giving banks a way to unload mortgages, so they could turn around and make more mortgage loans,” said Jason Richardson, senior director of research at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition, an association of more than 750 community-based organizations that advocates for fair lending. “It was kind of a radical concept and it has evolved over the decades into our modern mortgage finance system.”
The Federal Housing Administration, which was established as a permanent agency in 1934, used similar methods to map urban areas and labeled neighborhoods from “A” to “D,” with “A” considered to be the most financially stable and “D” considered the least. Neighborhoods that were largely Black, even relatively stable ones, were put in the “D” category.
The result was that banks, which wanted to be able to sell mortgage loans to the FHA, were largely dissuaded from making loans in “risky” areas. And Buffalo’s East Side, where the majority of Blacks were settling, was deemed risky. Unable to get loans, Blacks couldn’t buy homes, start businesses or build equity. At the same time, large industrial factories on the East Side were closing or moving away, limiting job opportunities and contributing to rising poverty levels.
“Today what we’re left with is the residue of this process where we’ve enshrined … a pattern of economic segregation that favors neighborhoods that had fewer Black people in them and generally ignores neighborhoods that had African Americans living in them,” Richardson said.
Case in point: Research by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition shows that three-quarters of neighborhoods that were once redlined are low- to moderate-income neighborhoods today, and two-thirds of them are majority minority communities.
Adding to the division between Blacks and whites in Buffalo was the construction of a highway called the Kensington Expressway. Built during the 1960s, the below-grade, limited-access highway proved to be a speedy way for suburban workers to get to their downtown jobs. But its construction cut off the already-segregated East Side even more from other parts of the city, displacing residents, devaluing houses and destroying neighborhoods and small businesses.
As a result of those factors and more, many Black residents have become “trapped” on the East Side, according to Dr. Henry Louis Taylor Jr., a professor of urban and regional planning at the University at Buffalo. In 1987, Taylor founded the UB Center for Urban Studies, a research, neighborhood planning and community development institute that works on eliminating inequality in cities and metropolitan regions. In September 2021, eight months before the Tops shooting, the Center for Urban Studies published a report that compared the state of Black Buffalo in 1990 to present-day conditions. The conclusion: Nothing had changed for Blacks over 31 years.
As of 2019, the Black unemployment rate was 11%, the average household income was $42,000 and about 35% of Blacks had incomes that fell below the poverty line, the report said. It also noted that just 32% of Blacks own their homes and that most Blacks in the area live on the East Side.
“Those figures remain virtually unchanged while the actual, physical conditions that existed inside of the community worsened,” Taylor told American Banker in an interview in his sun-filled office at the center, located on the University at Buffalo’s city campus. “When we looked upstream to see what was causing it, it was clear: It was systemic, structural racism.”
Banks’ moral obligations
As the East Side struggled over the decades with rampant poverty, dilapidated housing, vacant lots and disintegrating infrastructure, banks kept a physical presence in the community, albeit a shrinking one. In mid-2000, there were at least 20 bank branches scattered across the East Side, but by mid-2022, the number had fallen to around 14, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp.’s deposit market share data. The 14 include four new branches that have opened since early 2019 — Northwest Bank, KeyBank, Evans Bank and BankOnBuffalo.
The first two branches, operated by Northwest in Columbus, Ohio, and KeyBank, the banking subsidiary of KeyCorp in Cleveland, were requirements of community benefits agreements negotiated between each bank and the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. In both cases, Northwest and KeyBank agreed to open an office in an underserved community.
Evans Bank opened its first East Side branch in the fall of 2021. The office is located in the basement of an $84 million affordable senior housing building that was financed by Evans, a $2.1 billion-asset community bank headquartered south of Buffalo in Angola, New York.
Banks have been very good at providing charitable contributions to the Black community. They get an ‘A’ for that. But doing the things that banks can do in terms of being a catalyst for revitalization and investment in this community, they have not done that.
The Rev. George Nicholas, an East Side pastor who is also CEO of the Buffalo Center for Health Equity
On the community and economic development front, banks have had varying levels of participation. Buffalo-based M&T Bank, which holds a whopping 64% of all deposits in the Buffalo market and is one of the largest private employers in the region, has made consistent investments in the East Side by supporting Westminster Community Charter School, a kindergarten through eighth-grade school, and the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood, a nonprofit organization focused on improving access to education in the city’s 14215 ZIP code.
Currently, Buffalo Promise Neighborhood operates four schools. In addition to Westminster, it runs Highgate Heights Elementary, also K-8, as well as two academies that serve children ages six weeks through pre-kindergarten. Twelve M&T employees are dedicated to the program, according to the Buffalo Promise Neighborhood website. The bank has invested $31.5 million into the program since its 2010 launch, a spokesperson said.
Other banks are making contributions in other ways. In addition to the Jefferson Avenue branch and as part of its community benefits plan, Northwest Bank, a $14.2 billion-asset bank, supports a financial education center through a partnership with Belmont Housing Resources of Western New York. Meanwhile, the $198 billion-asset KeyBank gave $30 million for bridge and construction financing for Northland Workforce Training Center, a $100 million redevelopment project at a former manufacturing complex on the East Side that was partially funded by the state.
BankOnBuffalo’s East Side branch is located inside the center, which offers KeyBank training in advanced manufacturing and clean energy technology careers. A subsidiary of $5.6 billion-asset CNB Financial in Clearfield, Pennsylvania, BankOnBuffalo’s office opened a month after the shooting. The timing was coincidental, but important, said Michael Noah, president of BankOnBuffalo.
“I think it just cemented the point that this is a place we need to be, to be able to be part of these communities and this community specifically, and be able to build this community up,” Noah said.
In terms of public-private collaboration, some banks have been involved in a deeper way. In 2019, New York state, which had already been pouring $1 billion into Buffalo to help revitalize the economy, announced a $65 million economic development fund for the East Side. The initiative is focused on stabilizing neighborhoods, increasing homeownership, redeveloping commercial corridors including Jefferson Avenue, improving historical assets, expanding workforce training and development and supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
In conjunction with the funding, a public-private partnership called East Side Avenues was created to provide capital and organizational support to the projects happening along four East Side commercial corridors. Six banks — Charlotte, North Carolina-based Bank of America, the second-largest bank in the nation with $2.5 trillion of assets; M&T, which has $203 billion of assets; KeyBank; Warsaw, New York-based Five Star Bank, which has about $6 billion of assets; Northwest and Evans — are among the 14 private and philanthropic organizations that pledged a combined $8.4 million to pay for five years’ worth of operational support, governance and finance, fundraising and technical assistance to support the nonprofits doing the work.
Laura Quebral, director of the University at Buffalo Regional Institute, which is managing East Side Avenues, said the banks were the first corporations to step up to the request for help, and since then have provided loans and other products and education to keep the program moving.
Their participation “is a signal to the community that banks cared and were invested and were willing to collaborate around something,” Quebral said. “Being at the table was so meaningful.”
Richard Hamister is Northwest’s New York regional president and former co-chair of East Side Avenues. Hamister, who is based in Buffalo, said banks are a “community asset” that have a responsibility to lift up all communities, including those where conditions have arisen that allow it to be a target of racism like the East Side.
“We operate under federal charters, so we have an obligation to the community to not only provide products and services they need but also support when you go through a tragedy like that,” Hamister said. “We also have a moral obligation to try to help when things are broken … and to do what we can. We can’t fix everything, but we’ve got to fix our piece and try to help where we can.”
In the wake of a tragedy
After the massacre, there was a flurry of activity within banks and other organizations, local and out-of-town, to respond to the immediate needs of East Side residents. With the community’s only supermarket closed indefinitely, much of the response centered around food collection and distribution. Three of M&T’s five East Side branches, including the Jefferson Avenue branch across the street from Tops, became food distribution sites for weeks after the shooting. On two consecutive Fridays, Northwest provided around 200 free lunches to the community, using a neighborhood caterer who is also the bank’s customer. And BankOnBuffalo collected employee donations that amounted to more than 20 boxes of toiletries and other items that were distributed to a nonprofit.
At the same time, M&T, KeyBank and other banks began financial donations to organizations that could support the immediate needs of the community. KeyBank provided a van that delivered food and took people to nearby grocery stores. Providence, Rhode Island-based Citizens Financial Group, whose ATM inside Tops was inaccessible during the store’s temporary closure, installed a fee-free ATM near a community center located about a half-mile north of Tops, and later put a permanent ATM inside the center that remains there today. And M&T rolled out a short-term loan program to provide capital to East Side small-business owners.
One of the funds that benefited from banks’ support was the Buffalo Together Community Response Fund, which has raised $6.2 million to address the long-term needs of the East Side.
Bank of America and Evans Bank each donated $100,000 to the fund, whose list of major sponsors includes four other banks — JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, M&T and KeyBank. Thomas Beauford Jr., a former banker who is co-chair of the response fund, said banks, by and large, directed their resources into organizations where the dollars would have an immediate impact.
“Banks said, ‘Hey, you know … it doesn’t make sense for us to try to build something right now. … We will fund you in the work you’re doing,'” said Beauford, who has been president and CEO of the Buffalo Urban League since the fall of 2020. “I would say banks showed up in a big way.”
Fourteen months later, banks say they are committed to playing a positive role on the East Side. For the second year, KeyBank is sponsoring a farmers’ market on the East Side, an attempt to help fill the food desert in the community. Last fall, BankOnBuffalo launched a mobile “bank on wheels” truck that’s stationed on the East Side every Wednesday. The 34-foot-long truck, which is staffed by two people and includes an ATM and a printer to make debit cards, was in the works before the shooting, and will eventually make four stops per week around the Buffalo area.
Evans has partnered with the city of Buffalo to construct seven market-rate single family homes on vacant lots on the East Side. The relationship with the city is an example of how banks can pair up with other entities to create something meaningful and lasting, more than they might be able to do on their own, said Evans President and CEO David Nasca.
The bank has “picked areas” where it can use its resources to make a difference, Nasca said.
“I don’t think the root causes can be ameliorated” by banks alone, he said. “We can’t just grant money. It has to be within our construct of a financial institution that invests and supports the public-private partnership. … All the oars [need to be] pulling together or this doesn’t work.”
‘Little or no engagement with minorities’
All of these efforts are, of course, welcomed by the community, but there is still criticism that banks haven’t done enough to make up for their past contributions to segregating the city. And perhaps more importantly, some of that criticism centers on banks failing to do their most basic function in society — provide credit.
In 2021, the New York State Department of Financial Services issued a report about redlining in Buffalo. The regulator looked at banks and nonbank lenders and found that loans made to minorities in the Buffalo metro area made up 9.74% of total loans in Buffalo. Overall, Black residents comprise about 33% of Buffalo’s total population of more than 276,000, census data shows.
The department said its investigation showed the lower percentage was not due to “excessive denials of loan applications based on race or ethnicity,” but rather that “these companies had little or no engagement with minorities and generally made scant effort to do so.”
“The unsurprising result of this has been that few minority customers or individuals seeking homes in majority-minority neighborhoods have made loan applications … in the first instance.”
Furthermore, accusations of redlining persist today, even though the practice of discriminating in housing based on race was outlawed by the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
In 2014, Evans was accused of redlining by the New York State Attorney General, which said the community bank was specifically avoiding making mortgage loans on the East Side. The bank, which at the time had $874 million of assets, agreed to pay $825,000 to settle the case, but Nasca maintains that the charges were unfounded. He points to the fact that the bank never had a fair lending or fair housing violation, no specific incidents were ever claimed and that the bank’s Community Reinvestment Act exam never found evidence of discriminatory or illegal credit practices.
The bank has a greater presence on the East Side today, but that’s because it has grown in size, not because it is trying to make up for previous accusations of redlining, he said.
“Ten years ago, our involvement [on the East Side] certainly wasn’t what you’re seeing today,” Nasca said. “We were looking to participate more, but we were participating within our means and our reach. As we have grown, we have built more resources to be able to do more.”
Shortly after accusations were made against Evans, Five Star Bank, the banking arm of Financial Institutions in Warsaw, New York, was also accused of redlining by the state Attorney General. Five Star, which has been growing its presence in the Buffalo market for several years, wound up settling the charges for $900,000 and agreeing to open two branches in the city of Rochester.
KeyBank is currently being accused of redlining by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition. In a 2022 report, the group said that KeyBank is engaging in systemic redlining by making very few home purchase loans in certain neighborhoods where the majority of residents are Black. Buffalo is one of several cities where the bank’s mortgage lending “effectively wall[ed] out Black neighborhoods,” especially parts of the East Side, the report said.
KeyBank denied the allegations. In March, the coalition asked regulators to investigate the bank’s mortgage lending practices.
Beyond providing more credit, some community members believe that banks should be playing a larger role in addressing other needs on the East Side. And the list of needs runs the gamut from more grocery stores to safe, affordable housing to infrastructure improvements such as street and sidewalk repairs.
Alexander Wright is founder of the African Heritage Food Co-op, an initiative launched in 2016 to address the dearth of grocery store options on the East Side, where he grew up. Wright said that while banks’ philanthropic efforts are important, banks in general “need to be in a place of remediation” to fix underlying issues that the industry, as a whole, helped create. (After publication of this story, Wright left his job as CEO of the African Heritage Food Co-Op.)
Aside from charitable donations, banks should be finding more ways to work directly with East Side business owners and entrepreneurs, helping them with capital-building support along the way, Wright said. One place to start would be technical assistance by way of bank volunteers.
“Banks are always looking to volunteer. ‘Hey, want to come out and paint a fence? Want to come out and do a garden?'” Wright said. “No. Come out here and help Keshia with bookkeeping. Come out here and do QuickBooks classes for folks. Bring out tax experts. Because these are things that befuddle a lot of small businesses. Who is your marketing person? Bring that person out here. Because those are the things that are going to build the business to self-sufficiency.
“Anything short of the capacity-building … that will allow folks to rise to the occasion and be self-sufficient I think is almost a waste,” Wright added. “We don’t need them to lead the plan. What we need them to do is be in the community and [be] hearing the plan and supporting it.”
Parker, of Open Buffalo, has similar thoughts about the role that banks should play. One day, soon after the massacre, an ATM appeared down the street from Tops, next to the library that sits across the street from Parker’s office. Soon after the ATM was installed, Parker began fielding questions from area residents who were skeptical of the machine and wanted to know if it was legitimate. But Parker didn’t have any information to share with them. “There was no outreach. There was no community engagement. So I’m like, ‘Let me investigate,'” she said. “I think that’s a symptom of how investment is done in Black communities, even though it may be well-intentioned.”
As it turns out, the temporary ATM belonged to JPMorgan Chase. The megabank has had a commercial banking presence in Buffalo for years, but it didn’t operate a retail branch in the region until last year. Today it has four branches in operation and plans to open another two by the end of the year, a spokesperson said.
After the Tops shooting, the governor’s office reached out to Chase asking if the bank could help in some way, the spokesperson said in response to the skepticism. The spokesperson said that while the Chase retail brand is new to the Buffalo region, the company has been active in the market for decades by way of commercial banking, private banking, credit card lending, home lending and other businesses.
In addition to the ATM, the bank provided funding to local organizations including FeedMore Western New York, which distributes food throughout the region.
“We are committed to continuing our support for Buffalo and helping the community increase access to opportunities that build wealth and economic empowerment,” the spokesperson said in an email.
In the year since the massacre, there has been some progress by banks in terms of their interest in listening to the East Side community and learning about its needs, said Nicholas. But he hasn’t felt an air of urgency from the banking community to tackle the issues right now.
“I do experience banks being a little more open to figuring out what their role is, but it’s slow. It’s slow,” said Nicholas. The senior pastor of the Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, located about a mile north from Tops, Nicholas is part of a 13-member local advisory committee for the New York arm of Local Initiatives Support Coalition, or LISC. The group is focused on mobilizing resources, including banks, to address affordable housing in Western New York, specifically in the inner city, as well as training minority developers and connecting them to potential investors, Nicholas said.
Of the 13 members, seven are from banks — one each from M&T, Bank of America, BankOnBuffalo, Evans and KeyBank, and two members from Citizens Financial Group. One of the priorities of LISC NY is health equity, and the fact that banks are becoming more engaged in looking at health disparities is promising, Nicholas said. Still, they have more work to do, he said.
“I need them to think more on how to strengthen and build the economy on the East Side and provide leadership around that, not only to provide charitable things, but using sound business and banking and community development principles to say, ‘OK, if we’re going to invest in this community, these are the types of things that need to happen in this community,’ and then encourage their partners and other people they work with … to come fully in on the East Side.”
Some bankers agree with the community activists.
“Putting a branch in is great. Having a bank on wheels is great,” said Noah of BankOnBuffalo. “But if you’re not embedded in the community, listening to the community and trying to improve it, you’re not creating that wealth and creating a better lifestyle for everyone.”
What could make a substantial difference in terms of banks’ impact on the community is a combination of collaboration and leadership, said Taylor. He supports the idea of banks leading the charge on the creation of a comprehensive redevelopment and reinvestment plan for the East Side, and then investing accordingly and collaboratively through their charitable foundations.
“All of them have these foundations,” Taylor said. “You can either spend that money in a strategic and intentional way designed to develop a community for the existing population, or you can spend that money alone in piecemeal, siloed, sectorial fashion that will look good on an annual report, but won’t generate transformational and generational changes inside a community.”
Banks might be incentivized to work together because it could mean two things for them, according to Taylor: First, they’d have an opportunity to spend money in a way that would have maximum impact on the East Side, and second, if done right, the city and the banks could become a model of the way to create high levels of diversity, equity and inclusion in an urban area.
“If you prove how to do that, all that does is open up other markets of consumption all over the country because people want to figure out how to do that same thing,” Taylor said.
Some of that is already happening, at least on a bank-by-bank case, said KeyBank’s Owunwanne. Through the KeyBank Foundation, the company is able to leverage different relationships that connect nonprofits to other entities and corporations that can provide help.
“I see this as an opportunity for us to make not just incremental changes, but monumental changes … as part of a larger group,” Owunwanne said “Again, I say that not to absolve the bank of any responsibility, but just as a larger group.”
Downstairs from Parker’s office, Golden Cup Coffee, a roastery and cafe run by a husband and wife team, and some other Jefferson Avenue businesses are trying to build up a business association for existing and potential Jefferson-area businesses. Parker imagined what the group could accomplish if one of the banks could provide someone on a part-time basis to facilitate conversations, provide administrative support and coordinate marketing efforts.
“In the grand scheme of things, when we’re talking about a multimillion dollar [bank], a part-time employee specifically dedicated to relationship-building and building out coalitions, it sounds like a small thing,” Parker said. “But that’s transformational.”
I had lunch with my friend Cameron a few weeks ago. Over plates of Kung Pao Chicken and Mongolian Beef, the conversation drifted toward personal finance. We began to talk about the repairs and upgrades we’ve been making to our homes.
Kris and I bought our current house three years ago; Cameron and his wife bought their home two years ago. Both were big upgrades from what we had previously owned. And though neither couple spent more than they could afford, we’re now realizing that bigger isn’t always better.
Our first house was a 1365 square foot ranch-style home on a 7500 square foot lot. It was an unremarkable house, except that it was located in my home town. We could walk to the grocery store, to the barber, to our favorite restaurants. I could bike to work. If we still lived there, we would be paying off the mortgage next spring.
But I had always dreamed of a bigger place. I wanted a home with acreage. When we found a hundred-year-old farmhouse nestled close into Portland, we bought it. Our new house has 1820 square feet on two-thirds of an acre (less land than I wanted, but enough). We love the place. After three years, though, it’s clear that 1820 square feet is too much for the two of us. We have two rooms that remain essentially unused, but which we furnish, heat, and cool nonetheless.
Cameron also had a modest ranch house on an average lot. When his wife got a good job in a different part of the state, they bought a bigger place. It’s a wonderful home: huge floorplan, five acres, an amazing view. But Cameron, too, is beginning to understand that upsizing has unexpected costs.
Don’t misunderstand me: both of us love our houses, but we’ve come to realize there are trade-offs. Too much house is as much a problem as not enough. “I feel like I’m always cleaning,” Cameron told me. “I feel like I’m always doing yardwork,” I said. There are other considerations, too, some of which are obvious, others less so:
A larger house generally brings a larger mortgage.
A larger mortgage means more total interest paid over the life of the loan.
A larger home has higher utility bills.
It costs more to furnish.
And from our experience, larger homes have more things that can go wrong with them.
Cameron and I talked about remodeling projects, about long-term plans, and about what we’ve learned since moving. “We’ll never use all the space we have,” he told me. “And with two young kids, it’s all we can do to keep up with maintenance.”
“My values have changed,” I said. “I always thought I wanted a big house. I thought that was a sign of success. I don’t believe that anymore.”
That’s the crux of the problem: What was important to me three years ago is less important to me now. In Stumbling on Happiness, Daniel Gilbert writes that it’s difficult for the present You to predict what will make the future You happy. You do your best, but sometimes the future You looks back and scratches his head wondering what his younger self was thinking.
Neither Cameron nor I intend to move, but we now appreciate the advantages of a smaller home, advantages we didn’t recognize when we had them!
Related Reading
Last year, NPR had a story on the ever-expanding American dream house, which looked at the pros and cons of large homes. Though this piece actually discusses very large homes, it still explores issues like the reasons large houses have become so prevalent.
Architect Sarah Susanka has a series of books (and a web site) that explore the concept of what she calls The Not So Big House. She writes:
The inspiration for The Not So Big House came from a growing awareness that new houses were getting bigger and bigger but with little redeeming design merit. The problem is that comfort has almost nothing to do with how big a space is. It is attained, rather, by tailoring our houses to fit the way we really live, and to the scale and proportions of our human form. Two must-read articles about this topic include Cultural Creatives: The Rise of Integral Culture, by Dr. Paul Ray and a recent interview with William McDonough in Newsweek magazine entitled Designing The Future.
Finally, for years I’ve been fascinated by people who choose to live in ultra-small houses. How small? The Tumbleweed Tiny House Company has plans for homes as small as 40 square feet! Really, though, I’m more interested in their 392 square foot glass house, or the 100 square foot EPU (which you can build for just $19,000 plus labor). You can find more homes like this at The Small House Society.
Inside: Looking for the best care packages for college students? Look no further! This guide will teach you everything you need to know about choosing the right gifts and packing a care package that will make your student feel at home during their time away.
It’s that time of year again! Time to send your college student a care package. But what should you include?
We’ve got you covered with this comprehensive list of the best care packages for college students.
From food and snacks to study aids and dorm decor, we’ve got ideas for every type of student.
This year, I seem to know so many parents sending off their college students.
So whether your child is homesick or just needs a little pick-me-up, check out our list of the best care packages for college students.
What is a Care Package?
A care package is a heartfelt bundle filled with handpicked items, designed to uplift the spirits of the recipient.
A care package for a college student is a curated box filled with various items such as food, products, or novelty items, tailored to their interests, to remind them they’re loved and provide them with needed or desired items while they’re away from home.
Nonetheless, a care package can be a wonderful surprise!
What goes in a care package for a college student?
Who says that college life has to be tough?
Show your college-bound kid you’re thinking of them with an amazing care package! Here’s how:
Pamper them with toiletries like soap, body scrub, or dry shampoo. It’s practicality meeting indulgence.
Include favorite snacks like popcorn, pretzels, candies, chips, or nuts—because nothing beats study stress like mouthfuls of favorite munchies!
Throw in souvenirs from your hometown because nostalgia is a comfort blanket away from home.
Don’t forget a gift card or two. It’s the little ticket to a happy spree when the budget runs low.
And finally, a heartfelt, handwritten note to remind them they’re loved, even from miles away.
In every box, you’re not just bringing joy to your college kid, you’re sending them love and comfort!
Why Send A Care Package To A College Student?
1. A Gift of Sustenance and Comfort 2. A Way to Express Love and Support 3. A Means to Introduce New Things 4. A Way to Help College Students Cope with Stress 5. A Resource for Essential Kitchen Items 6. A Means to Stay Connected 7. A Way to Provide a Mood Booster 8. A Tool to Help College Students Transition into Life Indoors 9. A Way to Give Money 10. A Gift That Can Help College Students Get Ahead
What are some care package ideas?
Care packages are personalized boxes filled with essentials, comforting items, or little luxuries that can offer solace, promote self-care, or give a delightful surprise.
Here are some ideas to get the creative juices flowing!
Imagine delivering a box packed with their favorite homemade goodies, essential school supplies, novel books, or even a themed package for that upcoming stressful finals week or just because!
Unbox this opportunity and read on to discover unique ideas for designing amazing care packages. Excite a college student today with this heartfelt gesture!
This post may contain affiliate links, which helps us to continue providing relevant content and we receive a small commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the full disclosure here.
What item should every care package include?
Creating a care package can be a delightful way to demonstrate your care and thoughtfulness. It combines a mixture of practical items, fun surprises, and often much-needed essentials.
What goes into each package can vary greatly, but a gift card is always a must!
Care Packages Themes for College Students
Choosing a theme for a care package can help streamline the process and reduce the stress of deciding what to include.
Themes could be traditional, humorous, or catered towards particular interests or events, such as a holiday-themed box, an orange-colored items package to signify the end of exams or a coffee-themed care package for those who love a good brew.
Regardless of the theme, here are a few items that should ideally be included in every care package:
Self-Care Items: These can include items like face masks or beauty products, scented candles, and relaxing bath products, among others. They offer the recipient the luxury of self-pampering.
Comfort Items: Usually, soft items such as socks, blankets, or even simple things like their favorite tea or coffee can provide comfort.
Snacks & Treats: These are a must-have. Include their favorite bites or homemade goods if possible.
Drinks: Depending on the recipient’s preference, you can include a variety of drinks, like coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
Fun Things: Small games, coloring books, or novels can serve to reduce stress and provide entertainment.
Personal Care: Essential items such as toiletries or grooming products are always useful.
Cleaning Supplies: Especially for those away from home, cleaning supplies can be handy.
School Supplies or Work Essentials: Depending on the recipient’s needs, this could include notebooks, pens, sticky notes, etc.
Personal Safety Devices: Consider adding items like a mini first aid kit, a personal alarm, or a safety whistle.
Other Useful Things: Depending on the recipient’s interests, you could add items like a new book, a special photo, study aids, or sports gear.
Regardless of what you choose to include, the most important aspect of a care package is that it conveys love and care to the recipient.
Make sure you time sending your package well, and learn what time do Amazon packages arrive.
Best Care Packages for College Students
College students, often away from home for the first time, can sometimes struggle with homesickness or stress.
One of the most cherished remedies for these feelings is a thoughtful care package from home. It is an amazing way to remind them they’re loved and missed, bridging the gap between home and school.
But what really makes the best care package?
One that aligns with their interests, meets their fundamental needs and contains a surprise or two for fun.
A care package can boost their morale, make them feel less homesick, and get them through challenging times. It’s not just about what’s in the package, it’s about the thought and care that goes into it.
Here is a list to fill your care package with:
Food & Drinks:
1. Snacks: College students need fuel for their late-night study sessions. A variety of healthy snacks can give them that energy boost they need.
2. Instant coffee or tea bags: For caffeinated moments without needing to leave their dorm room.
3. Homemade Cookies or Baked Goods: Nothing says ‘care’ like homemade treats.
4. Specialty Coffees: For the coffee-lover student. Because it serves as an essential tool for late-night study sessions, helping students remain awake and energized.
5. Spirulina Powder: A superfood that’s great for a health boost.
6. Granola Bars or Oatmeal: Quick and easy to make, these are ideal for those mornings when students are running late for their classes.
7. Sugar-free chewing gum: Helps to maintain focus while studying.
8. Recipe Books: For the college student who needs help learning to cook. Even better create your own digital recipe book to pass along your family favorites!
9. Water Bottle: A reusable water bottle serves both as a health and environment-friendly gift.
10. English Breakfast Tea: This can provide a comforting, hot beverage that is easy to make in a dorm room. This electric tea kettle would be a special treat!
11. Hot Sauce: A versatile condiment like hot sauce can spice up drab, repetitive cafeteria meals.
12. Snacks & Munchies: Items like popcorn and pretzels are perfect for late-night cravings or for sharing with roommates.
13. Treats: Candies, chips, cookies, marshmallows, and nuts give students a sweet or savory option for a quick snack between classes.
14. Healthy items: Vitamins are great to keep students healthy, especially during finals when stress levels are high and sleep is compromised.
15. Fondue Set: A fun treat and a good reason to invite friends over.
Besides these food items, it would also be wonderful to include a few gift cards for local eateries or popular chains like Starbucks to give students the chance to have a meal or two outside the college cafeteria.
Self Care & Pampering:
16. Facial Masks: A fun and relaxing self-care item.
17. Natural Skin Care Products: To ensure their skin stays healthy too.
18. Cozy blanket: For those chilly nights in the dorm.
19. Candles: especially battery-powered ones, offer a relaxing ambiance without posing a potential fire hazard, making them ideal for dorms.
20. Spa Items: Think along the lines of bath bombs, Epsom salts, body lotion
21. Sheet Masks: this popular DIY spa at-home item is a must!
22. Essential Oils: These are needed as they offer a calming and uplifting aroma that can alleviate stress and contribute to an overall sense of well-being, especially in high-stress environments like colleges or workplaces.
23. Nail Care Kit: specifically items to do gel manicures at home. This is something I love to do myself!
24. Sleep Mask: To ensure a good night’s sleep.
25. Cute or neutral cozy socks: Socks provide warmth and comfort, helping individuals relax after a long day of classes or studying.
26. Shower Massager: A shower massager can provide much-needed stress relief after a day filled with classes, activities, and studying.
27. Scalp Massager: This can be an excellent tool for relaxation and stress relief, making it a perfect inclusion for a college beginning or the exam period.
28. Mini First Aid Kit: Every student should have a basic first aid kit.
To Get Moving (Health & Fitness):
29. Sports Equipment: For some physical activity.
30. Bluetooth Speaker: For listening to music or watching movies with friends.
31. Yoga Mat: It’s crucial to note that a yoga mat plays a significant role in providing comfort, reducing injury, and enhancing concentration during workouts.
32. Running Shoes: Running is one of the easiest ways to stay active. Or maybe to replace an old set of shoes.
33. Fitness resistance bands: These bands are perfect for incorporating into a student’s fitness routine, keeping them in shape even with their busy schedule.
Artsy Or Creative:
34. Coloring Book and Colored Pencils: A relaxing way to take study breaks. Or try this backward coloring book.
35. Colored Pencils: These complement the coloring books perfectly.
36. Notebooks and Stationary: Artists and writers would appreciate sets of beautiful stationery.
37. Origami Paper: tap into their creativity by providing a relaxing and enjoyable pastime that can help alleviate the stresses of academic life.
38. DIY Crafts: Handmade items for a personal touch.
39. Art Supplies: If they have an artistic side, new supplies can help fuel their creativity.
Mindfulness:
40. Stress Balls: Perfect for stressful exam periods. These are my favorite item on my desk!
41. Letters or Notes of Encouragement: Personal notes to show your love and support.
42. A Self-Care Journal: Helps to promote mindfulness and wellbeing.
43. An Inspirational Book: Can provide motivation and comfort.
44. Fidget Toy: Great for stress relief and concentration.
45. A calming lavender scented candle: This can help create a soothing environment, perfect for stress relief after a long day of lectures.
46. Zen Garden: This mini-sandbox can foster a bit of creativity and provide a mindless distraction from overwhelming studies.
47. Meditation guidebook: This can introduce a beginner to effective meditation techniques and potential benefits for mindfulness.
48. Affirmation cards: Daily positivity prompts can boost mood, and encourage a positive mindset.
49. White noise machine: This can provide calming background noise, assisting in good quality sleep and fostering mental well-being.
50. Weighted blanket: Proven to stimulate serotonin production, this blanket can increase feelings of calm and aid in better sleep.
51. Gratitude journal: This promotes the daily practice of noting down things one is grateful for, fostering a positive mindset, and reducing stress.
52. Mini Buddha Board: With this, they can paint with water and watch it slowly evaporate, reminding them of the impermanence of life’s stressors.
For School:
53. Portable Charger: No student wants to run out of battery while on the go.
54. Noise-Canceling Headphones: A fantastic tool that can help students study in peace, even in a noisy dorm.
55. iPhone/Android Charging Cord: An extra charging cord can be a lifesaver for busy students.
56. Planner: Helps students keep track of their assignments and plans. Don’t forget these planner stickers.
57. USB Flash Drive: For backing up important assignments and projects.
58. Study Supplies: Flashcards, highlighters, sticky notes, and more.
59. Stickers: These can be used to decorate their laptops, notebooks, or other personal items, adding a fun and creative element.
For Fun:
60. Birthday decorations: For a surprise birthday celebration.
61. Flying Butterflies out of the Box: This is one of my favorites! The butterflies fly out of the box when opened! Very easy to set up too.
62. Movie Night Pack: A collection of films, popcorn, and candy for a sweet night in.
63. Mini Board Games: Something fun they can do during their free time.
64. Board Game or Playing Cards: Fun games to play with friends during downtime.
65. Funny Socks: Just to put a smile on their faces.
66. “Orange you glad exams are almost over?” care package: A box full of orange-colored items will not only be visually striking but will also offer a light-hearted joke to help reduce exam stress.
To Help Their Budget:
67. Wallet or Money Clip: To keep their money and ID safe.
68. Budget Binder: make sure they are starting out right! Here are the best budget binders.
69. Laundry Detergent Pods: This easy-to-carry, mess-free laundry solution is perfect for college students.
70. Hygiene Products: Essential toiletries like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and conditioner can save them a trip to the store.
71. Extra set of Sheets: Comes in handy during laundry day.
72. Prepaid Visa Gift Cards: These can be for anything from their favorite stores, food places or for movie tickets.
73. CASH: Check out these money gift ideas on ways to package it.
74. Money Cake with Cake: These are extremely popular with the recipient.
Maybe it is a good reminder for them to find remote jobs for college students.
Nostalgia:
75. A DIY Scrapbook: A place to store all of your pictures and mementos.
76. Stuffed Animal: For comforting cuddles on lonely nights.
77. Postcards from Home: Reminds them of their roots while away.
78. Cute photo frames: For them to display their favorite memories.
79. Personalized Keychain: To carry a piece of home with them at all times.
How to Choose the Right Care Package for a College Student
Transitioning to college life is notoriously challenging for students.
Tackling the academic load, juggling social responsibilities, and handling homesickness can be overwhelming. That’s where a thoughtful care package comes in as a ray of hope, bringing a taste of home, a load of love, and a boost of morale.
While choosing the ideal care package, consider these critical attributes:
Personalization: Pick items aligning with their tastes and interests. The more personal, the more cherished.
Versatility: Include a variety of items, from fun snacks to useful goods. Variety is the spice of life.
Affordability: There’s no need for a high budget. Thoughtfulness doesn’t need to be expensive.
Thematic elements: Consider packages focused on upcoming holidays or exam seasons for added relevance. The more timely, the more needed.
Convenience: Prioritize products that save your student time and energy. The simpler, the better.
Remember, these packages are powerful messages of love and support. Choose wisely.
When to Send Care Packages for College Students
One of the most fitting times to send a college student a care package is at the beginning of the freshman year when they are trying to adjust to their new environment.
However, these thoughtful packages can be sent at any time throughout their college journey to remind them that they are missed and cared for back home.
Fall
Thanksgiving
Christmas
Valentine’s Day
Easter
Finals
Birthday
Or any other holiday!
Especially during stressful periods, like exam season, a care package can be a well-appreciated and timely morale booster.
Tips for Sending a Care Package to a College Student
1. Consider the Student’s Needs
Do you puzzle over what to put in a care package for your college student? You’re not alone.
Many parents struggle with creating a meaningful gift that caters to their child’s actual needs.
The key is convenience and usefulness—factors often overlooked in the thrill of care package creation. Let’s transform your approach.
Tailoring your package to their needs ensures your thoughtful gift becomes a practical blessing in their hectic college life.
2. Consider the Budget
Overspending on care packages for your college student can shock your wallet. Just like trying to figure out how much to give for high school graduation.
The wrong box size could lead to needless extras and unexpectedly high shipping costs. Thankfully, you can easily drop ship the items with Amazon Prime.
Also, think about how many times per year you plan to send a care package. That way you can spread out the fun throughout the year.
This is especially true if you want to know how to pay for college without loans.
3. Email or Call the Student to Find Out What They Need
Don’t risk sending unneeded items to your college student that end up wasting space and money.
Imagine the disappointment when they open the package to find redundant or unnecessary supplies.
But there’s an easy fix! Before assembling a care package, make a quick call or send an email asking what they actually need. This simple step ensures your thoughtful gesture aligns perfectly with their requirements.
Remember, it’s about sending useful items that your student appreciates and utilizes – making your effort truly count!
FAQ
Feeling homesick is a common challenge for many college students. Their new environment can seem excitingly novel but also distressingly foreign. But you can help alleviate this uncomfortable feeling by sending thoughtful, comforting care packages.
Snacks from Home: Local snacks can evoke a sense of nostalgia, making them feel closer to home.
Personal Mementos: Tokens like pictures of family, posters of hometown landscapes, or preserved local flowers help create a familiar space in their dormitory.
Money: An unexpected cash bonus is not just practical, but also a mood booster. Who doesn’t love a surprise windfall?
Heartfelt Note/Card: A message of love and encouragement can provide emotional resiliency in distressing times.
Remember, your care packages remind them that they’re loved and thought of, even miles away.
Sending care packages to college students is a thoughtful gesture that can be done at any frequency you prefer.
For example, once a quarter might be a good rule to ensure your student receives regular reminders of your love and support.
Supplements around finals, or during difficult times, are always appreciated. Feel free to adjust the frequency based on your student’s needs and preferences.
Sending a college girl a care package is a great way to remind her of home and boost her spirits. And typically, girls want fun things specific to them.
Here are the top 5 items to include:
Hair Accessories: Such as colorful hair ties or headbands to add a fun touch to her looks.
Socks: Choose cozy and cute ones, they’ll be perfect for chilly dorm nights.
Lip Balm: This is essential for avoiding chapped lips, consider tinted options for a dual-purpose product.
Fun Study Supplies: Including unique pens or sticky notes as they can make studying a bit more entertaining.
Face Masks: They offer a chance for self-care and relaxation, especially for those stress-induced skin flare-ups.
Time to Pack Those College Care Packages!
Transitioning to college life can be both exciting and overwhelming. Often, college students find themselves daunted by academic rigors, social pressure, and the unique environment of living away from home.
But what if there was a simple way to overcome these challenges?
Enter: the care package.
With a little bit of planning, you can easily put together a care package that will make your student smile.
So what are you waiting for? Get started today!
Know someone else that needs this, too? Then, please share!!
We’ve all been there — living in a cluttered, disorganized space, promising ourselves to organize it but finding it a daunting and never-ending task. It’s time to put an end to the cycle of clutter and chaos, for real this time. By breaking down organization tips by room, we’ll show you how to declutter your home and regain control over your living space. From practical tips on sorting and organizing to expert advice on letting go of sentimental items, we’ve got you covered on your journey to a cleaner home.
Benefits of decluttering
Decluttering your home goes beyond just tidying up; it brings along a plethora of benefits that can significantly improve your physical and mental well-being. A clutter-free environment promotes better focus and productivity. A study by Princeton University researchers discovered that clutter can make it difficult to focus on a particular task.
More specifically, they discovered that a person is overwhelmed by objects not related to a particular task, making it harder to focus and complete projects efficiently. Additionally, decluttering is known to have great benefits when it comes to decreasing stress levels and anxiety. Decluttering is an essential step toward improving your overall quality of life.
The time is now
One of the hardest parts of decluttering is knowing where to start. It’s overwhelming to begin a project of decluttering and organizing your space knowing how many areas need attention. However, delaying the process only allows the clutter to grow and worsen the situation. The longer you wait, the more time and effort it will take to tackle the clutter, and it might even become a source of frustration. Starting now, going room by room through our guide, will allow you to break this process down into digestible steps so you reclaim control over your space.
How to declutter your home, by room
When going room by room, we recommend you use Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method of asking yourself, “Does this item spark joy?” If an item doesn’t bring you joy or serve a practical purpose, it’s time to say goodbye.
Bedroom
When starting the decluttering process of your bedroom, make sure to make your bed first. This helps the space look a little cleaner, encouraging you to keep treading on.
Nightstands and cabinet surfaces: Clear off nightstands, dressers and any other surfaces of any items that don’t belong. Keep only essential items like a lamp, clock or a few decorative pieces. Put any misplaced items back in their original home and store other items in drawers using organizers. Drawer/ shelf organizers
Under the bed: Pull out anything under the bed that doesn’t belong. Between clothes that have fallen, loose storage for items or even trash, this is an area that accumulates mess. By cleaning this space, you can invest in under-bed-organizers to practically store clothes, shoes or miscellaneous items without a clear category.
Dresser drawers and closet: Start going through your dresser and set aside a donate pile, a wash/dry/clean pile and a keep pile. Ask yourself with each item if you still wear it, need it or even want it. If it’s an article of clothing in decent condition and you don’t have a use for it (or haven’t worn it in a while), it makes for a great donation. Apply the same process to clothes in your closet. Hang up any loose clothing on the floor as well to tidy up this small corner as well.
Bathroom
Decluttering your bathroom is a rewarding and refreshing process. It’s a good idea to start by picking up any clothes from the floor so you can really tackle organizing the cabinets and drawers. Then, set aside two areas; one for garbage and one for items being kept.
Countertops and sink area: Remove all items from the countertops and sink area that don’t belong. It’s ideal, for decluttering purposes, to keep this area clear and organize items within cabinets or shelving. Make sure to add to the discard pile any empty or expired containers, old cosmetics and products you no longer use.
Under-the-sink cabinet, drawers and medicine cabinet storage areas: Odds are, there are quite a bit of products and containers to dispose of in these areas. Make sure to check expiration dates to help dispose of space-taking items you no longer need. Use drawer dividers and organization containers where needed to separate items by category and frequency of usage. It’s easier to keep bathroom items tidy in designated spots for them, through dividers and containers.
Shower/ bathtub: Remove any empty items from the shower or bathtub area and take note of any necessary refills you may need. Make sure to ask yourself if you need the products before purchasing replacements to keep products minimal in this area. Consider using shower caddies or wall-mounted organizers to keep the products tidy and easily accessible.
Living room
Depending on the size of your home or apartment, your living room may bleed into other areas. Consider any walkways or middle areas between your living room and other areas in this section, especially since there’s typically more space in the living room for more storage when cleaning up these undefined areas.
Floor: Start by removing any items that don’t belong in the living room and return them to their proper places in other rooms. Discard any trash items that are present.
Coffee table: Clear off any items that are not essential or decorative. Invest in a decorative tray to place on your coffee table to hold various items like remote controls, magazines, candles and other miscellaneous items that otherwise look cluttered on your coffee table.
Entertainment center: These centers are necessary but often become cluttered quickly with numerous cables and remotes. Remove outdated electronics, cables and accessories that you no longer use. Purchase a cord cover or holder to keep these cords hidden and untangled for a more polished appearance. Then neatly arrange video games and other media items and consider donating or selling any DVDs or games you no longer enjoy or use.
Other decor items: Bookshelves and other wall shelving can accumulate random items over time. Donate or sell any books you no longer read or need and clear out random decor that serves no purpose to the aesthetic of the room.
Kitchen
It’s a great idea to start decluttering this room by cleaning out the fridge and pantry of any expired or stale food. Donate any canned items and non-perishables to local food pantries.
Countertops: As they are the most visible and used spaces in the kitchen, remove all items that don’t belong on the counters, like paperwork, keys or other non-kitchen items. Put away small appliances that you rarely use, leaving only the essentials.
Cabinets and drawers: This is another great instance to use containers to organize drawers and cabinets by sorting their contents into categories.
Under the sink: This area often accumulates various cleaning supplies. Dispose of any empty or old cleaning products and use organizers or caddies to keep everything tidy. Invest in a bag dispenser to keep your reusable plastic grocery bags organized as well.
Junk drawer: We all have a notoriously cluttered junk drawer in our kitchen or dining area. While it’s fine to keep this drawer for miscellaneous items, it’s important to dispose of actual junk and only keep essential items.
Face clutter head-on
Conquering the cycle of clutter and chaos in our living spaces is not an impossible task. By taking a proactive approach and breaking down the decluttering process by room, you’ll regain control over the mess. With the urgency to start now, armed with practical tips and a modified KonMari Method, we can bid farewell to unnecessary items and embrace a clutter-free lifestyle. Begin this transformative journey today and experience the liberating power of decluttering in your dream apartment!
The excitement and bustle of the Northeast. The friendliness and livability of the Midwest. Pittsburgh is a city with a foot in each. It’s no longer the smoggy, industrial steel and coal city of the past. Today’s Pittsburgh is a gleaming city of high-tech jobs, beautiful parks and plentiful entertainment. It’s a modern city full of families and young professionals. But, is it pricey like the Northeast or affordable like the Midwest?
We dissected the Council for Community and Economic Research’s data for the cost of living in Pittsburgh for 2022. Also, we compared the overall cost of living for the city to the national average, as well as to similar Pennsylvania cities. Then, we analyzed the differences in prices from this time last year. And, broke down the numbers for several important economic and consumer categories. We also studied the costs for rent and real estate in Pittsburgh.
The overall cost of living for Pittsburgh is 99.8, with a score of 100 reflecting the national average. That means that the cost of living is just 0.2 percent below, making Pittsburgh an affordable large city. And it’s only getting cheaper. That’s a decrease in the cost of living of 4.41 percent a year ago.
Pittsburgh housing prices
Geographically Northeast but culturally Midwest, Pittsburgh rent prices straddle the line in cost. Prices remain relatively Midwestern low but have seen some Northeast-type increases.
A studio in Pittsburgh averages $1,420 a month. While the cheapest apartment type, it’s seen the steepest year-to-year increase, up 17 percent. A one-bedroom rents for $1,650 on average monthly, up 15 percent from last year. A two-bedroom leases for $1,986, up 7 percent from this time last year. With an increase of just 5 percent, three-bedroom units now average only $1,965, less than a two-bedroom.
Many of Pittsburgh’s most popular neighborhoods, of course, also carry the highest rent. South Oakland, on the Monongahela’s north shore, leases the highest rents of any neighborhood for studios and one-bedrooms. A studio will average $2,175 a month, with $2,375 for a single. The Strip District, along the Allegheny, offers studios at $1,800, one-bedrooms at $1,871 and two-bedrooms at $2,520, making it the second-most expensive neighborhood.
Downtown is the priciest area of Central Pittsburgh. Studios run $1,505, one-bedrooms average $1,800 and two-bedrooms $2,117. Studio units rent for $1,572 on the North Side overall, with singles at $1,960 and doubles at $2,303. On the South Side, studios come in at $1,560, one-bedrooms $1,810 and two-bedrooms $2,327.
The cost to buy a home in Pittsburgh is also up from last year. The median sale price of all homes in the city is $259,900. That’s a 4 percent year-to-year increase. Single-family homes are the most expensive, with a median of $260,000, up 4 percent. Townhomes are up the most of any type, an increase of 9.7 percent to $252,250.
Think outside the city
Those looking to save some money may consider other cities in the Pittsburgh region. These smaller cities and bedroom communities tend to offer lower rent prices. But, that comes with the cost of fewer amenities and a further drive into Pittsburgh. These are a few examples, based on two-bedroom unit rent:
Pittsburgh food prices
Pittsburgh is an eater’s paradise. It’s home to Heinz ketchup, the Big Mac and Klondike Bars. Homes have chipped chopped ham, fried zucchini and smiley cookies. But, are groceries here more expensive than elsewhere?
Yes, a bit. The cost of living for groceries in Pittsburgh is 5 percent above the national average. But the good news is that costs are down nearly 3.25 percent from last year.
Those figures, by comparison, are close to on par with other cities around the state. Scranton matches with an equal 5 percent above. Its sister city, Wilkes-Barre, is a bit higher at 8.9 percent over. Philadelphia, the priciest in the state, exceeds the national average by 18.4 percent. On the flip side, several other cities rank lower. Erie, to the northwest, is just one percent higher, while Allentown is 2.7 percent below the national average. Just across the border in Morgantown, WV, the index is a low 4.5 percent under.
Going grocery shopping
What do costs for individual grocery items in Steeltown look like? Pittsburghers love potatoes. Pierogis and fries on sandwiches and salads are staples. But there’s a cost. A five-pound bag of potatoes averages $4.64, over $1.30 more than the national average. Put that on your Primanti’s.
It’s also a meat-eaters town. Ribeye steak runs $16, and ground beef is $4.59. Sausage costs $4.93 and frying chicken $1.73. All those are per pound, and all are higher than the national average, as well. Put it all on some whole wheat bread, which sells for $4.19 a loaf, about 60 cents above the average.
On the other hand, a half-gallon of milk sells for $2.09, a dozen eggs at $1.41 and a five-pound bag of sugar runs $1.98. Those are all lower than the national average. But a two-liter Coke will set you back $2.32, 38 cents higher than the rest of the nation.
But maybe dining out or grabbing take-out is on the menu. The average meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $15, on par with the national average. However, a three-course meal at a mid-range spot runs $57.50, $7.50 less than nationally. If quick and cheap is more your style, a combo meal at McDonald’s averages $9, a buck more than the rest of the country.
Pittsburgh utility prices
Pittsburgh doesn’t just have a deep history in the steel industry. Western Pennsylvania is also a historically-important fossil fuel region, for both coal and oil. It has always been a key energy region. But it’s also become pricey over the years.
Utility prices, in total, have a cost of living of 26 percent over the national average. And that marks a significant increase of 6.15 percent in the last year.
While all are above the national average, Pennsylvania cities like Erie, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre and Allentown are all cheaper than Pittsburgh and have all decreased in the last 12 months. Even expensive Philly only exceeds it by 12.2 percent.
Total monthly energy costs in Pittsburgh run $238. That’s significantly higher than the $171 average nationwide. Monthly charges for an average phone bill are $194. That’s six bucks more than nationally.
Pittsburgh transportation prices
Pittsburgh is a transportation hub. Known as the city of bridges, there are nearly 450, with 40 near downtown alone. Four vehicle tunnels pass through hills and under rivers, as well. And, up those hills, climb two of the world’s most famous funicular inclines.
The cost of living for transportation in Pittsburgh is 8.7 percent higher than the national average. On a positive note, that’s down nearly 3 percent from a year ago. Erie, Allentown and Wilkes-Barre all exceed the national average, but sit lower than Pittsburgh. Meanwhile, Philadelphia over-indexes by 13 percent and Scranton under-indexes by 1.4 percent. Erie and Allentown are both down over 8 percent from last year, with Scranton down over 12 percent.
Transportation options
Pittsburgh Regional Transit operates a light-rail system known as the “T,” split into three lines. It also runs four bus route lines, and the two funicular inclines. In 2017, PRT eliminated zone-based rates. All rides now cost $2.75 per trip. Those using the ConnectCard transit pass then have an additional three-hour free transfer period. Seniors, people with disabilities, law enforcement, municipal employees and children under 5 rides free. Children 6 to 11 ride half-price. A day pass costs $7, a week pass $25, a monthly pass $97.50 and an annual pass $1,072.50.
The Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), the only toll road in Western Pennsylvania, runs from east of the city to north of the city. It does not pass through Pittsburgh. No Pittsburgh bridge carries a vehicle toll.
Pittsburgh has some of the highest parking rates in the nation for a city its size. The median hourly parking lot and garage rate Downtown are $7, the 16th-highest in the country. Median daily rates are $18 and $225 monthly. Meters run from 50 cents to $4.00 hourly depending on location. Street parking is free after 6:00 pm and on Sundays.
The city achieves above-average but not great transportation scores. Pittsburgh carries a 69 (out of 100) walk score, 58 bike score and 61 transit score. And to put the driving costs in perspective, an average tire balance costs $59.99. That’s almost $7 above the national average.
Pittsburgh healthcare prices
Unlike many other categories, Pittsburgh under-indexes the national average for healthcare. Despite a negligible 1 percent rise year to year, the cost of healthcare in the ‘Burgh is 4.3 percent below the country as a whole. That falls relatively in line with other primary cities around Pennsylvania, if not slightly more affordable. Compare that to Morgantown. The city just 90 minutes to the south now sits at 2.5 higher than the national average, a staggering increase of nearly 16 percent from last year.
You can see affordability in individual services. The average cost for a doctor visit is $101.50, $17 below the national average. Same for an optometrist, nearly $15 below nationally at $95.80. A trip to the dentist runs $103.50, about a buck more than the national figure. An average over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen is just a few cents above the national average, and prescription drugs like insulin can index around $20 over.
Please note prices for healthcare will vary by individual depending on specific healthcare situations.
Pittsburgh goods and services prices
Miscellaneous goods and services in Pittsburgh also index below the rest of the country. That includes everything from haircuts and dry cleaning to new clothing and toiletries. The cost of these items in Pittsburgh is 4.5 percent below the national average. That s a similar figure to most other larger cities statewide. Other Keystone State cities also saw a decrease of around 4 percent.
Some varied items fall well below the national figure. A trip to the beauty salon averages $37, three dollars less. A man’s dress shirt is a full $10 below, at $21.09. And a typical washer repair will run $75, $6 under the national average. The cost of going to a movie, taking your pet to the vet or digitally subscribing to a local news outlet run very close to the national average.
The cost to enroll a child in a full-day private preschool or kindergarten in Pittsburgh is $1,091.67. A year in an international primary school runs $11,800.
Taxes in Pittsburgh
The sales tax rate in Pittsburgh is 7 percent. The city itself collects no taxes, which is good news for the cost of living in Pittsburgh. But the Pennsylvania sales tax rate is 6 percent, plus a 1 percent addition by Allegheny County. There’s no sales tax on items like groceries, candy, clothing, prescriptions and heating fuel. If you spend $1,000, expect to pay $70 in sales tax.
Pittsburgh city residents pay 3 percent in earned income tax. That’s 1 percent in city tax and 2 percent in school tax. That’s in addition to a 3.07 percent income tax from the state.
How much do I need to earn to live in Pittsburgh?
Many experts say Americans should spend no more than 30 percent of pre-tax income on housing. That’s good news for Pittsburghers. Rents for an average one-bedroom fall well within recommended prices based on the local average wage.
The average monthly lease for a Pittsburgh one-bedroom is a reasonable $1,597. Extrapolated to a full year, that’s $19,164. At 30 percent of total income, that’s an affordable rate for someone earning $63,880 a year.
According to Payscale.com, the average yearly salary in Pittsburgh is $68,000, over $4,000 more than needed to rent an average one-bedroom unit. In fact, a Pittsburgh resident making the average salary could afford an apartment leasing for $1,700 at 30 percent expenditure.
Want to find out how much an affordable apartment is for you based on your income? Check out Rent.’s handy Rent Calculator.
Living in Pittsburgh
Part East Coast, part Midwest, Pittsburgh is a great place to live, and quite affordable compared to other cities its size. The cost of living in Pittsburgh is close to the national average in many categories. But is it the right city for you?
If all the information above makes Pittsburgh sound affordable to you, it’s a great place to find your next home. Check out all the great apartments available in Pittsburgh right now at Rent.
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.
Virtual is an option for just about everything these days, from doctor’s appointments to school. Many apartment communities have hopped on board this trend with great gusto and are only too happy to show an apartment virtually when needed for prospective residents.
Before the days of Skype, Facetime and such, prospective tenants were left with few options for apartment tours. Either haul over to the apartment community for an in-person tour or sign on the dotted line, sight unseen. Since pictures of units are often misleading, the latter is definitely not an ideal option. Sure, not all tenants wound up disappointed in their rental space, but it’s a safe bet that some weren’t happy come move-in day.
What is a virtual tour of an apartment?
A virtual tour is just that — an apartment tour done virtually by landlords or others in charge. Unlike a live tour or in-person tour, this type uses apps or services like Facetime, Skype, Google Hangouts or Zoom.
A typical rental property also offers a canned video for a prospective tenant to watch online, however, those don’t involve specific units, and instead, focus on the community as a whole. Think of that as more of a “highlight reel,” which shows common areas like the laundry facilities, other amenities and a sample unit. Landlords curate those to show the very best of the community.
Why choose a virtual apartment tour?
The purpose of a virtual apartment tour is to help a prospective tenant lay eyes on the unit and community without actually being there. A video call like this is extra helpful for people who can’t travel to do an in-person showing, but who want to have a good sense of what the community is like before signing a lease. A lot of renters have specific ideas about what they want from a new apartment or rental house, and a virtual tour can help them refine a lengthy list of a few top apartments.
How do you set up a virtual apartment tour?
A few years ago, setting up virtual apartment tours might have been something of a headache, but now it’s ultra easy to view a property. Simply do a Rent. search for the type of apartment that fits your needs. Most apartments have a handy “Schedule Tour” button on their Rent. listing, which serves as a step-by-step guide to getting the appointment set. The blue button is under the property phone number at the top right of the screen when viewing on a computer, or it’s within a white button at the bottom of a phone screen, when looking at it that way.
Common ways to tour apartments
Once you’ve clicked the “Schedule Tour” button, several options will pop up. These can include “Live Video Tour,” “Self-Guided Tour” and “In-Person Tour.” Apartment communities offer some, all or none of these options. Spoiler alert — a self-guided tour, while not terrible, is not the best option for potential renters with lots of questions about the house or apartment. This is why many people choose to take a virtual apartment tour that’s guided by landlords.
Scheduling a virtual tour
If “Live Video Tour” is available, click that option. A calendar should pop up showing the dates and times that virtual tours are available. Select the one that works best for you, fill in your contact information and add the event to your calendar.
How do I prepare for a virtual tour?
Like any other important life decision, it’s important to go into the apartment hunting experience prepared and with both eyes wide open. Once you make the virtual open house appointment, it’s important to prep accordingly. Here are some handy tips to make sure you cover everything.
Develop a list of general areas to “see”
The apartment unit and its floor plan aren’t the only part of the community you’ll want to see. Everything is fair game! Here’s a general list of areas you’ll want to see while on the virtual apartment tour:
Parking situation (deck, lot or street?)
All the amenities (pool, fitness, athletic courts, laundry, doggie run, etc.)
The rental office
Hallways leading to and from the unit in question
Exterior landscaping
Mail pickup and drop-off locations
Garbage disposal areas
The entire floor your prospective unit is on
If any of those are in disrepair it’s a sure bet that the unit itself isn’t properly maintained.
Put together a list of questions for landlords
This one-on-one time with the leasing agent is the ideal opportunity to ask questions, albeit in a virtual environment. Here are some sample questions to work from during virtual tours. A few things might not apply to your situation, but most will.
Tips for virtual tour questions
What are the lease terms?
What fees are you responsible for upon move-in? Are there any monthly fees in addition to rent, like parking costs?
How are rent and other fees paid and when?
Which ones are refundable upon move-out? How do you ensure that this happens?
How much notice must a person give when terminating a lease?
Is any work being done to the unit before move-in, such as carpet cleaning/replacement, painting, appliance repair/replacement, etc.?
What are the pet policies and related fees at the property?
How do tenants request maintenance/repairs for their apartments or building?
How do renters file complaints?
Does the community observe “quiet hours?” How do the landlords enforce them?
What are the policies about painting, nails on the walls and other improvements?
What’s the neighborhood like? How is access to public transportation, and are any businesses within walking distance?
Will the building be repainted or have a new roof installed anytime soon?
Is renters insurance necessary? If so, how much?
Take detailed notes during the tour, as all of this information will start to bleed together if you do multiple virtual tours.
How does a virtual tour work?
At this point, the typical leasing agent has done a lot of these types of tours, so they’ll probably have a process in place. Follow their lead, but don’t hang up from the call without seeing everything or asking all of your questions.
How to do a virtual apartment tour in the unit
At some point, you should explore the entire floor plan of the unit you’re interested in. Start at the base of the building. Move through the hallways and stairwells until you reach the correct floor. You’ll want to know ahead of time if your next-door neighbor plans to leave trash bags or 32 garden gnomes outside their door.
Tour each room
Once at the front door (note the unit number), it’s time to enjoy a full view of the potential new home. Visit all rooms, including bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, etc. Note how many windows there are, if the windows are in good repair and how much natural light is coming in at that time of day.
Examine the flooring
Take a close look at the flooring. If it’s carpeted, are there any stains, rips or tears? If so, how will they fix it? Note the other types of floor found in the unit, including laminate hardwoods, tile, etc. They require different cleaning methods.
Look closely at the paint
Next, note the paint in each room. Is it dingy and covered in dings and scuffs? If so, ask if they will repaint. Can you choose the new room color?
Make sure everything’s in working order
In the bathroom and kitchen area, ask the leasing agent to run water from all faucets, so you can gauge how good or bad the water pressure is. Also, make sure all appliances are in working order.
Check out the storage potential
Have the tour guide open up all cabinets and closets in each room, so that you see the storage space. Inquire about additional storage, if needed.
Examine the exterior
Visit the deck or balcony area and note any wood rot, beams that need replacing/painting, the view and so on. Smaller details really make or break an apartment!
Log your concerns
If anything needs repair or replacement in any room, take photos via screenshots and note your concerns. Send them in an email to the leasing agent and find out if they plan to rectify the issues. Once the landlord fixes the issues, ask them to take more photos and keep them on file, if you intend to move forward. A new place doesn’t need perfection but look for clean, fully functional and well maintained.
Virtual tour of the community
Once the prospective apartment has met expectations, it’s time to check out the rest of the rental property. Check off each spot on your list as you “go” there, so that you can see them all. A good property manager is only too happy to walk a wannabe tenant around.
Questions to ask about the community
This is a great time to ask general questions about the community. When does the pool open and close for the season? What hours are the fitness center and laundry facilities operational? When is trash day? That sort of thing.
Make note of anything that looks broken or dingy. Find out when the landlord scheduled any needed repairs. Don’t be afraid to ask property managers to zoom in on certain areas. Many apartments will have some areas that need work, but too much disarray is a warning sign.
Virtual tours are a great starting point
If at all possible, schedule in-person showings once you’ve landed on a few top rental properties. It’s always better to lay eyes directly on an apartment before renting than to rely on the camera work of a person you don’t really know. If you’re not local to the area, ask a trusted friend who is to tour on your behalf, then ask their honest opinion about the listing. It might seem like a lot of effort, but renters who do their due diligence are likely far happier in their new homes.
A freelance writer based out of the Atlanta area, Alia has penned articles during her decade+ career for such sites as HowStuffWorks, TLC, Animal Planet, Zillow and many more. Her favorite things to write about include fitness, nutrition, travel, healthcare and general lifestyle topics. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Alia’s an avid Dawg, but she also loves reading, sewing, eating all things chocolate and playing sports with her husband, three boys and beloved border collie, Flash.
The west coast is currently being ravaged by wildfires, including five of the top ten largest wildfires in California history so far. These devastating fires have burned down hundreds of millions of acres of land, resulting in at least 36 casualties and the loss of homes, businesses, and other structures. The entire west coast is experiencing unhealthy air quality, and smoke has reached as far as the east coast and even Europe.
Aside from the immediate consequences in terms of property damage and loss of life, wildfires also have a far-reaching economic impact. From the ongoing costs related to fire suppression and prevention to the loss of revenue, expensive repairs, and insurance hikes that inevitably follow, these fires have lasting financial repercussions.
The current wildfires will have an economic impact on both a local and a national level. While states including California, Oregon, and Washington are some of the most likely to be affected by wildfires, the financial fallout has the potential to be even more widespread.
What’s Ahead:
Fire suppression costs are rising
Battling wildfires is an expensive business, and the cost to fight fires has soared from tens of millions to hundreds of millions in recent years as destructive wildfires have become more and more common.
With 2020 on track to be one of the most devastating wildfire seasons on record, the cost just to get fires under control continues to climb.
You’ll see insurance hikes
As wildfires become more common in areas across the western United States, homeowners insurance and fire insurance is getting more expensive as a result. Some homeowners who live in fire-prone areas are unable to secure insurance coverage at all, with insurance companies canceling policies in high-risk areas.
Those who are able to secure insurance will likely face increased premiums as insurance companies attempt to cover the costs of current and future wildfire seasons.
If you live in an at-risk area for wildfires, you need to make sure you have the right insurance in place to cover all of your bases. Policygenius can help you double-check that you have the right type and amount of coverage for your home – and that you’re paying the best price for it.
Temporary power cuts have affected businesses
Power companies like Pacific Gas & Electric have implemented temporary planned power shutoffs in areas where its equipment is in danger of sparking wildfires. PG&E equipment has sparked over 1,500 fires from 2014 to 2017, and officials expect continued power cuts to be a regular feature of fire seasons to come.
These power cuts can have a negative economic impact when they prevent individuals and businesses from operating as normal. While the company is working toward implementing smaller, less disruptive cuts than the power outages that caused multi-day blackouts in 2018, power cuts will still affect tens of thousands of California residents.
Businesses are also seeing a loss of revenue
The wildfires sweeping across much of the western part of the country also have a severe impact when it comes to the loss of revenue. Many businesses aren’t able to operate normally or at all, and may find it difficult to reopen in the aftermath of the fires while also dealing with other issues such as the pandemic.
Wildfires also decrease the revenue brought in by tourism, which affects everything from restaurants and small businesses to hotels and state parks.
Expensive repairs will be needed
Costly repairs will be necessary for areas where wildfires have burned down buildings and damaged infrastructure. The 2018 wildfire season caused over $40 billion worth of damage, and the 2020 season is on track to cause even more damage.
The cost of the repairs is felt both by individuals whose property has been damaged as well as government agencies responsible for repairing infrastructure and cleaning up debris.
Healthcare costs will rise for those impacted by the fires
Other indirect costs of the wildfires include the healthcare costs associated with treating injuries related to the disaster. This includes treating not only those who were directly injured by the fires themselves, but also those who inhale too much smoke and those who are injured in accidents while evacuating.
Extreme wildfires cause hazardous air quality that can lead to coughs, headaches, and shortness of breath in the short term, and chronic inflammation, heart attacks, and strokes in the long term. Those with preexisting conditions like asthma or compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable.
Economic instability may increase
A report from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission predicts that the increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters like wildfires could result in further economic instability. These disasters can have a negative impact on many disparate areas of the economy including agriculture, infrastructure, residential and commercial property, and the health and wellbeing of American citizens.
Wildfire prevention costs will rise
While strategies implemented to help prevent or curb future wildfires like controlled burns and thinning are necessary, they’re also expensive. California recently passed a bill dedicating $1 billion toward fire prevention over the course of five years, but experts warn that even that amount may not be enough to curtail future fires.
There are many personal costs as well
While it’s not an easy thing to affix a number to, increasingly devastating wildfire seasons also take a tremendous personal toll, from people grieving lost loved ones to those whose houses burned down to those dealing with anxiety and depression caused by the fires.
These losses are often exacerbated by compounding issues like the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, economic inequality, and the effects of climate change.
How to protect your finances from the impact of natural disasters
Experts predict that wildfires and other natural disasters like heat waves and hurricanes will only become more prevalent as climate change continues to accelerate. People all over the world will be negatively affected by these catastrophic events – especially if they live in places with a high risk of fire, floods, or other disasters.
Here are some steps to take in order to prepare for future disasters and keep your finances secure in the face of an increasingly uncertain world.
Make sure you have the right insurance coverage
Insurance coverage for your property is especially important if you live in an area that may be at risk of wildfires. Even if you already have insurance, it’s still a good idea to shop around and compare different policies in order to ensure that you’re getting a good deal.
Again, online tools like Policygenius make it easy to research and compare different insurance options.
Maintain a healthy emergency fund
Experts recommend that you save between three and six months worth of living expenses in an emergency fund. This financial cushion can be a major safety net when it comes to literal emergencies like wildfires as well as other unexpected expenses.
While it can be difficult to increase your savings in a time of increasing economic inequality, it’s a good idea to try to put a little away each month so that you have something to fall back on in case of hard times.
Pack an emergency bag and it keep it up to date
If you live in an area that is prone to natural disasters, you should pack an emergency bag and keep it up to date, including essential such as:
First aid kit.
Drinking water.
Non-perishable food.
A change of comfortable clothes.
Toiletries.
Medications.
Cash.
Mask.
Radio.
Flashlight.
Local maps.
Phone charger and extra battery pack.
Be sure to keep your bag up to date and to swap out any items that are too old or in danger of expiring. You may want to prepare several kits to keep with you at home, in your car, and any other place you spend a lot of time in, such as your workplace or a relative’s house.
Secure important documents
Replacing important documents can be stressful if you have to leave your house during an emergency. You should keep documents in a secure, safe place that you can access quickly if you need to.
Some important documents you may want to take with you include your social security card, birth certificate, passport, and insurance information.
When it comes to other documents like bills and financial statements, consider switching to paperless billing so that you’re able to access them electronically in the case of an emergency.
See if your qualify for tax relief or other forms of aid
If you’ve experienced financial losses due to a federally declared disaster, you may be able to deduct it on your taxes. There are also a variety of wildfire relief funds and resources available, including:
The Disaster Cash Assistance Program for Washington state residents.
Disaster loan assistance for business owners from the SBA.
FEMA Disaster Assistance.
Red Cross shelters for those impacted by natural disasters.
The California Association of Food Banks.
Masks, medicine, and other resources from Direct Relief.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance for California residents.
Summary
Some experts estimate that the damage caused by the 2020 wildfire season will have a direct cost of over $20 billion, not including the many indirect costs associated with the fires, such as insurance hikes and loss of revenue. As wildfires continue to increase due to drought, warmer temperatures, and shorter winters, they are sure to have far-reaching effects on the economy.
While many aspects of natural disasters are beyond your control, you can stay prepared by reviewing your insurance coverage, packing an emergency bag, and building up your emergency fund.
If the only things you know about Albuquerque, other than the gritty undersides seen in “Breaking Bad” or “In Plain Sight,” you’re missing the best of The Duke City. Sure, while Bugs Bunny often took the wrong turn there, Albuquerque is a modern, cultural, tech-forward city with laid-back vibes and a diverse population. Touching the edges of the desert and the mountains, Albuquerque has a foot in both worlds. But, which better represents its affordability?
We dissected the Council for Community and Economic Research’s data for the cost of living in Albuquerque for 2022. We compared the overall cost of living index for the city to the national average and to other New Mexico and regional cities. Then, we analyzed the differences in prices from this time last year. We then broke down the numbers for several important economic and consumer categories. And, we studied the costs for rent and real estate in Albuquerque.
The overall cost of living index for Albuquerque is 92.4, with a score of 100 reflecting the national average. That means that the cost of living is just 7.6 percent below the national average, making Albuquerque an affordable Southwest city. And, it’s only getting cheaper. That’s a decrease in the cost of living of 2.12 percent from a year ago.
Albuquerque housing prices
Overall, housing in Albuquerque is relatively affordable. The ABQ has a stellar cost of living rate for housing 12.6 percent below the national average. That’s a drop of just over 1 percent from the previous year.
A studio in Albuquerque averages just $765 a month. And, unlike all other apartment sizes, studios show no change from this time last year. A one-bedroom rents for $1,132 on average, a 14 percent increase from a year ago. A two-bedroom leases for $1,507. That represents a 27 percent year-to-year increase, the highest of any apartment type. Three-bedroom units are up 21 percent to $1,860.
The cost to buy a home in Albuquerque is also up from last year. The median sale price of all homes in the city is $310,000. That’s a steep 9.2 percent year-to-year increase. Homes are currently selling for nearly 3 percent over the list price and are averaging 12 days on the market.
Location, location, location
As in most cities, the most popular neighborhoods are also the priciest. And, in Albuquerque, those neighborhoods lie on the east side of town, many close to the University. The most expensive neighborhood for one-bedroom apartments is Del Rey in the northeast. Those run $1,828 a month on average, a 20 percent increase from this time last year.
For every other apartment type, Uptown, east along I-40, unsurprisingly carries the highest rents. A studio runs $1,837 (more than a Del Rey one-bedroom), a two-bedroom $2,378 and a three-bedroom at $2,630. Those represent a 19 percent, 11 percent and 0 percent increase from a year ago, respectively.
Sycamore, along Central Avenue SE at I-25, is the second-most expensive neighborhood in Albuquerque. Studios rent for $1,418, singles for $1,809 and doubles at $2,212. The good news is each of those is flat year-to-year. Nob Hill, south of UNM, is also among the highest, leasing studios for $1,300 and two-bedrooms for $2,000.
Those looking to save money may consider other cities in the Tiguex region. These smaller cities elsewhere in the state tend to offer lower rent prices but lie further from city amenities. A few examples, based on two-bedroom unit rent:
Albuquerque food prices
The cost of living in Albuquerque for groceries and food items in Albuquerque are in line with the rest of the nation. The city indexes just 0.2 percent north of the national average. However, that represents a steep 7.74 percent rise from a year ago. Other New Mexico cities vary significantly, with the food in Las Cruces 4.8 percent over the national average, while Rio Rancho is under by 2.2 percent.
Many individual staples are well below the median around the country. The taste of Albuquerque blends both Native American and Latino flavors, and individual ingredient costs vary. A pound of ribeye steak runs $11.88, which is about $2 below the average. Frying chicken is $1.08 a pound, about 30 cents cheaper. Lettuce at $1.46 a head and a half-pound of cheese at $3.82 are also below the national average.
However, some items are over-indexed, as well. A pound of ground beef ($5.02), five pounds of sugar ($3.04) and a bottle of extra virgin olive oil ($5.53) are about a half-dollar over the national average. A dozen eggs, orange juice, frozen corn and a can of coffee are among the items slightly more expensive than the rest of the country.
The average meal out at an inexpensive restaurant in Albuquerque is around 15 bucks. A full three-course meal at a mid-range dining spot runs $65. And for a quick bite, a combo meal at McDonald’s averages $8.30.
Albuquerque utility prices
Rent isn’t the only home expense for apartment dwellers. Utilities are often the second-highest recurring cost. Thankfully, utilities in Albuquerque are reasonable. Prices for utilities are 7.8 percent below the national average. That’s a 1.6 percent drop from last year.
This is a figure similar to other New Mexico communities. In Rio Rancho, utilities are 2.2 percent greater. Up in Las Cruces, it’s 3 percent below. Around the region, utilities in Lubbock and Amarillo in Texas (with their own power grid) are down to 9.2 percent and 5.8 percent below the nation as a whole, respectively. Over in Tucson, AZ, however, it’s cheaper by 3.4 percent, with Colorado Springs much higher, exceeding by 2.3 percent.
The total cost for energy in Albuquerque averages $155.04 a month. A cell phone plan runs $187.47 each month.
Albuquerque transportation prices
Transportation prices are cheaper than in the rest of the nation as a whole, good news for the cost of living in Albuquerque. The cost of local travel is 9.3 percent below the national average. That’s thanks to a 5.42 percent decrease from year to year.
The cost of transportation in Albuquerque is significantly less than in other cities in the Land of Enchantment. The expected expense for transport in Las Cruces is 2.2 percent more expensive than the national average, but 2.1 percent cheaper in Rio Rancho. As expected, regional cities in Texas like Lubbock and Amarillo both rank well below 15 percent less than the national average. On the opposite pole, Tucson and Colorado Springs are both only under by at least 5 percent.
The City of Albuquerque Transit Department operates public transport, known as ABQ Ride. There are 22 fixed and 15 commuter bus lines. There are also two bus rapid transit routes, under the moniker Albuquerque Rapid Transit, and one ARTx “Rapid Ride” route.
Normally, standard ABQ Ride fares are $1 for a single trip. However, ABQ Ride is currently piloting a zero-fare program for bus riders. All bus, rapid transit and rapid ride trips are free of charge for all riders through June 30, 2023. After that, fares may return to normal, increase, decrease or remain free, depending on city government determination.
The New Mexico Rail Runner Express commuter train runs between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The line has 13 stops, including three in Albuquerque. Single trip fares list from 50 cents to $2.50, depending on the zone. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief, from Chicago to Los Angeles, has a stop in downtown Albuquerque at the Alvarado Transportation Center.
Other modes of transportation
Reflecting limited public transportation options, Albuquerque has an unfavorable transit score of 28. The city’s walk score is an above-average 53. In better news, the city is quite bike-friendly with a bike score of 68.
The city operates eight public parking garages and three surface lots. Hourly rates run $1 per half-hour. Monthly rates in garages are between $36.75 and $84, depending on location. Lots are $36.75 to $47.25 monthly. No toll roads exist in New Mexico. And to put the driving costs in perspective, an average tire balance costs $50.36. That’s $2.57 above the national average.
Albuquerque healthcare prices
Healthcare is pricey no matter where you live. But in the Chihuahuan Desert, prices are a fair bit less painful. The cost of living for healthcare in Albuquerque is a significant 11.7 percent beneath the national average, an over 7 percent drop from a year ago.
That is significantly lower than other larger cities in New Mexico. Both Rio Rancho (2.1 percent over) and Las Cruces (5.5 percent over) exceed the national average. Albuquerque’s healthcare costs are also lower than regional cities, with Lubbock at 5.7 percent lower than the national figure and Tucson (3.6 percent above) and Colorado Springs (2.6 percent above) exceeding it.
Affordability is in individual services. The average cost for a doctor visit is $107.70, nearly $11 below the national average. A trip to the dentist, at $99.70, and an optometrist appointment, for $108.84, are only a buck or two cheaper. An average over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen is just a few cents below the national average, but prescription drugs like insulin can index around up to $50 less expensive.
Please note prices for healthcare will vary by individual depending on specific healthcare situations.
Albuquerque goods and services prices
Miscellaneous goods and services in Albuquerque also index below the rest of the country. That includes everything from going to the movies to buying toiletries to a salon day. The cost for such items and labor in Albuquerque is 5.8 percent below the national average, down 5.23 percent from this time last year. That is a similar figure to most other larger cities statewide. However, other Cactus State cities like Rio Rancho and Las Cruces experienced an increase of around 8 percent from a year ago.
Some varied items fall well below the national median. A men’s dress shirt, at $28, is around $4 cheaper than the rest of the country. Women’s slacks are almost $5 more affordable. Dry cleaning them with a two-piece suit is three bucks cheaper.
A typical washer repair will run $72, $11 under the national average. And it will average $51 to take your pet to the vet, about $4 less expensive. A few items like toothpaste, tennis balls or a bottle of shampoo run very close to the national averages. But, a men’s barbershop haircut, at $24.14, will make you pony up about $4 more.
The cost to enroll a child in a full-day private preschool or kindergarten in Albuquerque is $650. A year in an international primary school runs a pricey $13,667.
Taxes in Albuquerque
New Mexico does not have a standard sales tax. Instead, it has a Gross Receipts Tax, which is similar to a sales tax but applies to services, as well as goods. The total GRT tax rate in Albuquerque is 7.875 percent, 5.125 percent from the state and 2.75 percent from the city. There’s no GRT tax on grocery items, including candy and carbonated beverages, but only if purchased in person at a store. For taxable items, if you spend $1,000, expect to pay $78.75 in GRT tax.
New Mexico has a graduated individual income tax rate ranging from 1.7 percent to 5.9 percent. There’s no additional income tax from the city or county.
How much do I need to earn to live in Albuquerque?
Advisors often suggest that you spend no more than 30 percent of pre-tax income on housing. That’s good news for Albuquerqueans. Rents for an average one-bedroom fall well below recommended prices based on the local average wage.
The average monthly lease for an Albuquerque one-bedroom is $1,132. Extrapolated to a full year, that’s $13,584. At 30 percent of total income, that’s an affordable rate for someone earning at least $45,280 a year.
According to Payscale.com, the average yearly salary in Albuquerque is $66,000, over $20,000 more than needed to rent an average one-bedroom unit. In fact, an Albuquerque resident making the average salary could afford an apartment leasing for up to $1,650 at 30 percent expenditure.
Want to find out how much an affordable apartment is for you based on your income? Check out Rent.’s handy Rent Calculator
Living in Albuquerque
If you can stand the heat and enjoy laid-back Southwest vibes, Albuquerque is a great place to live and quite affordable compared to its coastal peers. The cost of living in Albuquerque is a bit below the national average in many categories. But, is it the right city for you?
If all the information above makes Albuquerque sound exciting and affordable to you, it’s a great place to find your next home. Check out all the great apartments available in Albuquerque right now at Rent.
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.