Cost of Living Forum

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AuburnLocal22 @auburnlocal22
Joined: 2 years ago

Cost of Living in Auburn – A Resident’s Perspective

Hi everyone, I’m a long-time resident of Auburn looking for some insights on the current cost of living situation here. I’m considering making some lifestyle changes and want to get a better sense of what expenses to expect. Could those familiar with Auburn share their experiences with major costs like housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and entertainment? I’m particularly interested in hearing perspectives from different family situations, income levels, and lifestyles. What are the pros and cons of living in Auburn from a financial standpoint?

Posts: 20

10 Replies


SavvySpender @savvyspender
Joined: 2 years ago

As someone living in Auburn on a modest income, I’ve found the cost of living to be quite manageable overall. Housing is relatively affordable if you’re open to living a bit outside the city center – a decent 1-bedroom apartment can be found for around $1,500 or less. Groceries are reasonably priced, especially if you stick to basics like rice, eggs, and seasonal produce from local markets. Utilities like electricity and internet typically run me $300-$400 per month for a small apartment. Entertainment is affordable with options like $12 movie tickets and reasonably priced casual dining. The biggest expense for me is transportation since I need a car to get around, but gas prices have been stable lately. Overall, Auburn offers a solid quality of life without breaking the bank.
Posts: 2
FamilyGuy82 @familyguy82
Joined: 2 years ago

Living in Auburn with a family of four, I’d say the cost of living is moderate to high depending on your expectations. Housing is the biggest factor – a 3-bedroom apartment in a good area can easily run $2,200-$2,500 per month. Childcare is also pricey, with preschool/kindergarten costing upwards of $2,700 per child per month at private facilities. Groceries for a family add up quickly, but there are ways to save by buying in bulk and seeking out deals. Transportation is manageable if you have a single car, but parking and gas can get costly. Entertainment-wise, there are affordable family-friendly options like parks and community events. Healthcare is probably the biggest unknown as costs can vary widely. Overall, Auburn is livable for families but requires careful budgeting.
Posts: 19
CareerGal28 @careergal28
Joined: 10 months ago

As a young professional in Auburn, I’ve found the cost of living to be on the higher side but still reasonable compared to other major cities. Housing in the city center is quite pricey, with a decent 1-bedroom apartment running $1,700-$1,800 per month. However, you can find more affordable options in surrounding areas if you’re willing to have a longer commute. Groceries and utilities are manageable, but dining out and entertainment can add up quickly if you have an active social life. Transportation is a significant expense since most people rely on cars, but there are some public transit options. Healthcare costs through employer plans seem to be in line with national averages. Overall, Auburn offers plenty of amenities and opportunities, but you’ll need a solid income to truly enjoy it.
Posts: 6
RetiredInAuburn @retiredinauburn
Joined: 2 years ago

Having lived in Auburn for over 20 years, I can say that the cost of living has steadily increased but remains relatively affordable for retirees like myself. Housing costs are reasonable if you’ve owned your home for a while, though property taxes can be a burden. Groceries are quite affordable, especially if you take advantage of senior discounts and stick to simple meals. Healthcare is a significant expense, but Medicare helps cover many costs. Entertainment is very affordable with options like low-cost community events, discounted movie tickets, and affordable dining for seniors. Transportation is manageable even without a car thanks to public transit and ride-share services. Overall, Auburn is a great place to retire on a fixed income if you budget wisely and take advantage of senior discounts and programs.
Posts: 24
OutdoorEnthusiast @outdoorenthusiast
Joined: 2 years ago

As someone who loves an active outdoor lifestyle, I’ve found Auburn to be a bit pricier than I’d like but still manageable. Housing costs are reasonable if you’re willing to live a bit outside the city center, which is ideal for accessing nearby hiking trails and parks. Groceries are fairly affordable, especially if you stick to basic ingredients for meal prepping. Transportation is a significant expense since you really need a car to get to trailheads and outdoor areas, and gas/maintenance costs add up. Entertainment is where Auburn shines, with plenty of affordable outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and community sports leagues. Healthcare costs are about average, but having access to excellent outdoor recreation helps offset some of those expenses. Overall, Auburn is a great option for outdoor enthusiasts if you budget carefully.
Posts: 8
FoodieFamily @foodiefamily
Joined: 2 years ago

From the perspective of a family that loves dining out and exploring diverse cuisines, the cost of living in Auburn can be quite high. Housing is a significant expense, with a 3-bedroom apartment in a desirable area easily costing $2,500 or more per month. Groceries are reasonably priced, but we tend to splurge on specialty items and fresh, high-quality ingredients. Dining out is where we really feel the pinch, with even casual restaurants charging $80 or more for a family meal. Entertainment like movies and activities add up quickly with kids. Transportation is manageable with a single car, but gas and maintenance costs are always a factor. Healthcare is also quite pricey, especially with rising insurance premiums. While Auburn offers a vibrant food scene, it comes at a cost that requires careful budgeting for families like ours.
Posts: 19
StartupGrind @startupgrind
Joined: 2 years ago

As a young entrepreneur trying to get a new business off the ground, I’ve found the cost of living in Auburn to be quite challenging. Housing is a significant expense, with even modest 1-bedroom apartments running $1,500 or more per month. Groceries and utilities are manageable, but dining out and entertainment are luxuries I often have to skip. Transportation is costly since I need a reliable car for meetings and errands, and parking fees add up quickly. Healthcare is a major concern since I don’t have employer-sponsored coverage and have to pay out-of-pocket for insurance and medical expenses. Entertainment and recreational activities are often out of reach on a tight budget. Overall, Auburn is an expensive place to live for those just starting out and trying to bootstrap a new venture.
Posts: 5
ArtistAtHeart @artistatheart
Joined: 2 years ago

Living in Auburn as a creative professional, I’ve found the cost of living to be moderately high but still manageable with some careful budgeting. Housing is probably the biggest expense, with even modest 1-bedroom apartments in desirable areas costing $1,600-$1,800 per month. Groceries are reasonably priced, especially if you stick to basic ingredients and shop at local markets. Utilities and internet are affordable. Transportation is manageable if you live close to your studio or workplace, but parking fees can add up. Healthcare is a concern since many artists lack employer-sponsored coverage. Entertainment is where Auburn shines, with plenty of affordable cultural events, galleries, and creative communities to explore. Overall, Auburn offers a vibrant arts scene but requires some financial discipline to truly enjoy it.
Posts: 14
HealthNut247 @healthnut247
Joined: 2 years ago

From the perspective of someone focused on health and wellness, the cost of living in Auburn is moderately high but manageable if you’re strategic. Housing is a significant expense, but there are pockets of more affordable neighborhoods if you’re willing to have a longer commute. Groceries can be pricey if you opt for all organic and specialty health foods, but it’s doable on a budget if you shop wisely. Fitness is where Auburn really shines, with plenty of affordable gym and yoga studio options starting around $50-$80 per month. Healthcare is about average, but having access to excellent recreational facilities helps offset some costs. Transportation is manageable with a car or by living in walkable areas. Overall, Auburn caters well to a healthy lifestyle if you budget carefully.
Posts: 12
CityDweller92 @citydweller92
Joined: 2 years ago

As a young professional living right in the heart of Auburn, I’ve found the cost of living to be quite high but worthwhile for the convenience and amenities. Housing is easily the biggest expense, with a decent 1-bedroom apartment in the city center costing $1,700-$1,800 per month. Groceries are pricey if you frequent upscale markets, but more affordable options are available. Dining out and entertainment add up quickly with so many tempting options nearby. Transportation is manageable without a car by using public transit, ride-shares, and walking, but parking fees can be steep. Healthcare costs are about average. While the high cost of living in central Auburn is a stretch, I find it worthwhile for the vibrant urban lifestyle and proximity to work, cultural attractions, and nightlife.
Posts: 7

Detailed Price Insights of Abilene, TX

  • Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant – 28.00 $
  • Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course – 80.00 $
  • McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal) – 11.50 $
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught) – 4.97 $
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) – 7.42 $
  • Cappuccino (regular) – 3.98 $
  • Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) – 2.62 $
  • Water (0.33 liter bottle) – 2.30 $
  • Milk (regular), (1 liter) – 1.35 $
  • Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g) – 5.33 $
  • Rice (white), (1kg) – 6.15 $
  • Eggs (regular) (12) – 4.50 $
  • Local Cheese (1kg) – 22.01 $
  • Chicken Fillets (1kg) – 16.75 $
  • Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat) – 18.73 $
  • Apples (1kg) – 7.30 $
  • Banana (1kg) – 2.86 $
  • Oranges (1kg) – 6.39 $
  • Tomato (1kg) – 5.88 $
  • Potato (1kg) – 4.69 $
  • Onion (1kg) – 4.20 $
  • Lettuce (1 head) – 2.00 $
  • Water (1.5 liter bottle) – 2.50 $
  • Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) – 12.00 $
  • Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle) – 1.73 $
  • Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle) – 5.33 $
  • Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro) – 12.00 $
  • Taxi Start (Normal Tariff) – 3.50 $
  • Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff) – 2.40 $
  • Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff) – 40.00 $
  • Gasoline (1 liter) – 1.31 $
  • Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car) – 23,536.00 $
  • Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car) – 22,965.00 $
  • Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment – 250.00 $
  • Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data – 48.12 $
  • Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) – 64.08 $
  • Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat – 12.50 $
  • Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child – 2,738.89 $
  • International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child – 37,770.00 $
  • 1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar) – 62.50 $
  • 1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, …) – 35.00 $
  • 1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range) – 67.50 $
  • 1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes – 141.00 $
  • Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre – 1,750.00 $
  • Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre – 1,500.00 $
  • Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre – 2,500.00 $
  • Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre – 2,200.00 $
  • Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate – 6.61
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