Cost of Living Forum
Cost of Living in Antioch: Insights from a Long-Time Resident
Hi all, I’ve been living in Antioch for over 15 years now, and I wanted to share my perspective on the cost of living here. As someone who’s experienced the ups and downs of living in this city, I can provide a pretty comprehensive overview of what you can expect to spend on various expenses.
I’m a single professional in my 30s, working a decent office job. I live in a modest 1-bedroom apartment just outside the city center, and I try to maintain a relatively frugal lifestyle while still enjoying some of the perks that Antioch has to offer.
I’d love to hear from others about their experiences and insights as well. What has your cost of living been like in Antioch? What are some areas where you’ve found it to be particularly expensive or manageable? Any tips or tricks for saving money while still living comfortably?
9 Replies
Thanks for sharing your perspective, AntiochLocal28! As a recent transplant to Antioch, I’ve found the cost of living to be quite reasonable overall, especially compared to some other nearby cities.
For housing, I was able to snag a decent 2-bedroom apartment outside the city center for around $2,500 per month, which is pretty affordable for this area. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet run me about $500 per month collectively, which isn’t too bad.
Food costs can add up quickly, though. A meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can easily set you back $75 or more, not including drinks. Groceries are more manageable, with staples like bread, eggs, and produce being relatively affordable. I’d say I spend around $400-500 per month on groceries for two people.
Transportation is where I’ve found Antioch to be quite expensive. Gas prices are high, and while public transportation is available, it’s not always the most convenient option. Owning a car is almost a necessity here, and the costs of insurance, maintenance, and parking can really add up.
Overall, I’d say Antioch is a fairly affordable place to live, especially if you’re mindful of your spending and willing to make some trade-offs. It’s not the cheapest city out there, but it’s also not outrageously expensive.
As a family of four with two school-aged kids, our cost of living in Antioch is definitely on the higher side. Housing is one of our biggest expenses – we rent a 3-bedroom apartment outside the city center for around $3,000 per month. Childcare and education costs are also quite significant; we pay over $2,200 per month for a private preschool for our youngest, and the yearly tuition for our older child’s international primary school is a whopping $5,000.
Groceries for a family of four can be pricey, especially if you’re trying to eat healthily. We easily spend $800-900 per month on food, and that’s without dining out too frequently. A casual meal for our family at a mid-range restaurant can cost upwards of $100 or more.
On the plus side, entertainment options in Antioch are relatively affordable. We enjoy going to the movies as a family, where tickets are only $8 per person. There are also plenty of parks and outdoor activities that are free or low-cost.
Transportation is another major expense for us since we rely on two cars to get around. Between gas, insurance, and maintenance, we’re looking at around $500-600 per month in transportation costs.
Overall, while Antioch isn’t the most expensive city out there, the cost of living can be quite high for families, especially when factoring in housing, childcare, and education expenses. It’s definitely manageable with a decent income, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning to start a family here.
As a retiree on a fixed income, I’ve found Antioch to be a relatively affordable place to live, especially compared to some of the surrounding areas. My housing costs are quite manageable – I own a modest 2-bedroom condo that I bought a few years ago, and my monthly mortgage payment is only around $1,500, including taxes and insurance.
Utilities and other basic expenses like groceries and healthcare are also quite reasonable here. I’d estimate I spend around $300-400 per month on groceries for one person, and my monthly utility bills (electricity, water, internet) usually total around $200 or so.
One area where I’ve found Antioch to be a bit pricey is entertainment and leisure activities. While there are certainly some budget-friendly options like parks and community centers, things like gym memberships, golf outings, and cultural events can add up quickly. I try to be selective in choosing my splurges, but I’d say I spend anywhere from $200-400 per month on entertainment and hobbies.
Transportation is also a consideration for retirees like myself. While I don’t have the daily commuting costs of working individuals, the costs of owning and maintaining a vehicle – gas, insurance, repairs, etc. – can still be significant. I’d estimate I spend around $200-300 per month on transportation-related expenses.
Overall, I’d say Antioch is a relatively affordable place for retirees, especially if you’re prudent with your spending and take advantage of senior discounts where available. The cost of living is certainly manageable on a fixed retirement income, and the quality of life here is quite good.
As a young professional in my late 20s, I’ve found the cost of living in Antioch to be quite high, especially when it comes to housing and entertainment. I live in a trendy 1-bedroom apartment right in the city center, which sets me back a whopping $2,300 per month – and that’s considered a good deal for this area!
While my rent is definitely on the higher end, I do enjoy being able to walk to many of the trendiest restaurants, bars, and nightlife spots in Antioch. Going out for drinks and dinner can be expensive, though; a casual meal for two at a mid-range place can easily cost $75 or more, and cocktails at the hipper bars often run $12-15 each.
Groceries and other essentials like utilities and transportation are more manageable. I spend around $400 per month on groceries, and my utility bills (including a pretty decent internet package) total around $500 per month. I don’t own a car, so my transportation costs are mainly limited to occasional ride-shares or taxis, which can add up if I’m not careful.
Entertainment is another area where I tend to splurge a bit. I have a membership at a boutique fitness studio that runs me $120 per month, and I also indulge in regular activities like concerts, art shows, and weekend getaways, which can quickly drain my disposable income.
Overall, while Antioch can be an expensive place to live, especially for young professionals who want to enjoy an active social life and urban amenities, it’s definitely possible to make it work on a decent income. I’ve just had to be a bit more mindful of my spending and make some trade-offs in terms of prioritizing location and experiences over saving money.
As someone who’s always been budget-conscious, I’ve found Antioch to be a relatively affordable place to live – if you know where to look for deals and are willing to make some compromises.
Housing is definitely one of the biggest expenses here, but I’ve managed to keep my costs down by renting a small studio apartment outside the city center for around $1,400 per month. It’s not fancy, but it meets my needs and allows me to save money for other priorities.
When it comes to food, I tend to cook most of my meals at home using inexpensive ingredients from discount grocery stores. I’d estimate I spend around $200-250 per month on groceries. Dining out is more of an occasional treat for me, and I usually stick to budget-friendly options like fast food or happy hour deals at casual restaurants.
Transportation is another area where I’ve found ways to save. I don’t own a car, relying instead on public transportation (which can be hit-or-miss in Antioch, admittedly) and ride-sharing services when necessary. My monthly transportation costs are usually around $100-150.
Entertainment is where I really have to be mindful of my spending. I’ve found that taking advantage of free or low-cost activities like hiking, community events, and public libraries can go a long way in keeping me entertained without breaking the bank.
Overall, while Antioch certainly has its pricier aspects – especially when it comes to housing and certain amenities – it’s definitely possible to live here on a tight budget with some creativity and compromises. It just comes down to prioritizing your expenses and finding ways to save in areas that are less important to you.
As a young professional who values an urban, trendy lifestyle, I’ve found the cost of living in Antioch to be quite high – but often worth it for the amenities and experiences the city has to offer.
Housing is definitely one of my biggest expenses; I live in a modern 1-bedroom apartment right in the heart of the city, which sets me back a cool $2,400 per month. But the central location and upscale amenities (like a rooftop pool and fitness center) make it worth the splurge for me.
Dining and entertainment are also quite pricey in Antioch, but I don’t mind indulging in the city’s vibrant food and nightlife scene. A nice dinner for two at a trendy restaurant can easily cost $100 or more, and cocktails at the swanky bars often run $15-20 each. But hey, that’s the price you pay for enjoying the best that the city has to offer.
Groceries and other essentials aren’t too bad, though. I spend around $400 per month on groceries, mostly shopping at higher-end markets for quality ingredients. Utilities like electricity, internet, and my monthly gym membership add another $500 or so to my monthly expenses.
Transportation is one area where I try to save a bit; I don’t own a car, relying instead on ride-sharing services, public transportation, and the occasional taxi when needed. My monthly transportation costs are usually around $200-300.
Overall, while the cost of living in Antioch can be quite high – especially for those who want to indulge in the city’s trendier amenities and experiences – it’s a trade-off I’m willing to make for the lifestyle and convenience of living in such a vibrant urban center. As long as you’re mindful of your spending and prioritize the experiences that matter most to you, it’s definitely possible to enjoy all that Antioch has to offer without going broke.
As someone who loves to eat well but doesn’t have an unlimited budget, I’ve found the cost of living in Antioch to be a mixed bag when it comes to food-related expenses.
On the plus side, Antioch has a thriving food scene with plenty of affordable options for dining out. You can find delicious meals at casual eateries and food trucks for $10-15 per person, and even many of the mid-range restaurants offer reasonably priced lunch specials or happy hour deals.
Groceries, on the other hand, can be quite pricey – especially if you’re looking for high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. A weekly grocery trip for two people can easily set me back $100 or more, and that’s without indulging in too many extras or splurges.
Housing is another significant expense in Antioch, although it varies greatly depending on your location and living situation. I live in a modest 2-bedroom apartment just outside the city center, which costs me around $2,000 per month in rent. Utilities like electricity, water, and internet add another $300-400 to my monthly expenses.
Transportation is where I’ve found Antioch to be quite expensive, especially if you rely on a personal vehicle. Gas prices are high, and the costs of insurance, maintenance, and parking can really add up quickly. I try to walk or use public transportation as much as possible to save on these expenses.
Overall, while Antioch can be a pricey place to live – especially when it comes to housing and transportation – there are ways to enjoy the city’s vibrant food scene and cultural offerings without breaking the bank. It just takes some creativity, budget-consciousness, and a willingness to seek out the hidden gems and deals that Antioch has to offer.
As someone who loves outdoor activities and an active lifestyle, I’ve found the cost of living in Antioch to be quite reasonable – especially when it comes to taking advantage of the city’s natural surroundings and recreational opportunities.
Housing is definitely one of the bigger expenses, but it’s manageable if you’re willing to live a bit further from the city center. I rent a cozy 2-bedroom apartment in a quieter neighborhood for around $2,100 per month, which gives me easy access to nearby hiking trails and parks.
Food costs can add up quickly, especially if you’re dining out frequently. However, I tend to cook most of my meals at home using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from farmer’s markets and specialty grocers. I’d estimate I spend around $400-500 per month on groceries for two people.
Where I’ve found Antioch to be quite affordable is in the realm of outdoor recreation and activities. Many of the city’s parks, hiking trails, and public spaces are free or low-cost to access, and there are often community events or group outings that provide budget-friendly ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
Transportation is another area where I’ve managed to keep costs down. While I do own a car for longer trips and adventures, I often rely on public transportation or biking for getting around the city itself. My monthly transportation expenses usually range from $200-300, depending on how much I’m driving.
Entertainment can be pricey in Antioch if you’re into the typical nightlife scene or fancy cultural events. However, I find that my love for outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, and exploring nature provides plenty of low-cost entertainment options that align with my interests and lifestyle.
Overall, while the cost of living in Antioch can vary depending on your specific situation and priorities, I’ve found it to be a relatively affordable place to maintain an active, outdoorsy lifestyle – especially if you’re willing to make some trade-offs and seek out budget-friendly alternatives for housing, transportation, and entertainment.
As a single mom raising two kids in the heart of Antioch, the cost of living here can be quite high – but the city’s amenities and conveniences often make it worth the expense.
Housing is undoubtedly one of my biggest monthly costs. I rent a 2-bedroom apartment right in the city center, which runs me around $2,800 per month. It’s pricey, but the central location means we can walk or take public transportation to many of the kids’ activities, schools, and other destinations, saving on transportation costs.
Childcare and education expenses are also significant for my family. I pay around $2,200 per month for a private preschool for my younger child, and the annual tuition for my older child’s international primary school is a hefty $5,000. It’s a big investment, but I believe in providing them with the best educational opportunities possible.
Groceries and household essentials can also add up quickly, especially when factoring in the nutritional needs and preferences of a growing family. I’d estimate I spend around $800-900 per month on groceries, household items, and the occasional takeout or restaurant meal.
Entertainment and leisure activities are areas where we try to be more selective and budget-conscious. We take advantage of free or low-cost options like parks, community centers, and library programs whenever possible. Occasional splurges like movies, museum visits, or family outings can still add up, though.
Overall, while the cost of living in Antioch can be quite high – especially when it comes to housing, childcare, and education – the city’s amenities, conveniences, and opportunities often make it worth the investment for families like mine. It’s all about prioritizing your expenses, seeking out deals and discounts, and making the most of the city’s offerings.
Detailed Price Insights of Abilene, TX
- Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant – 20.00 $
- Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course – 75.00 $
- McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) – 12.00 $
- Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) – 7.00 $
- Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) – 8.00 $
- Cappuccino (regular) – 5.19 $
- Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) – 2.79 $
- Water (0.33 liter bottle) – 2.30 $
- Milk (regular), (1 liter) – 1.32 $
- Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) – 4.63 $
- Rice (white), (1kg) – 5.26 $
- Eggs (regular) (12) – 4.47 $
- Local Cheese (1kg) – 14.75 $
- Chicken Fillets (1kg) – 14.39 $
- Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) – 19.12 $
- Apples (1kg) – 5.29 $
- Banana (1kg) – 2.05 $
- Oranges (1kg) – 3.31 $
- Tomato (1kg) – 6.56 $
- Potato (1kg) – 1.76 $
- Onion (1kg) – 4.41 $
- Lettuce (1 head) – 2.66 $
- Water (1.5 liter bottle) – 2.00 $
- Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) – 14.00 $
- Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) – 1.73 $
- Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) – 1.58 $
- Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) – 8.00 $
- Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) – 4.00 $
- Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) – 1.86 $
- Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) – 27.69 $
- Gasoline (1 liter) – 1.06 $
- Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) – 28,000.00 $
- Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) – 26,000.00 $
- Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment – 342.42 $
- Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data – 65.33 $
- Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) – 75.98 $
- Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat – 8.00 $
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child – 2,213.75 $
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child – 5,000.00 $
- 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) – 25.00 $
- 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) – 22.00 $
- 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) – 100.00 $
- 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes – 80.00 $
- Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre – 2,300.00 $
- Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre – 2,200.00 $
- Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre – 3,350.00 $
- Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre – 3,000.00 $
- Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate – 5.50