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Cost of living …

In a recent newspaper article by Liberty Dones states that the cost of living in the CNMI (Saipan) has historically been 25 to 30 percent higher than the mainland. Seeing how the local newspapers here would never ever publish a story without some research to back up people’s claims. This got me thinking is this really true?

Lets look at some data.

Rental property

• One bed room apt in Saipan: $300 ~ $400 USD garapan apt houseing
• One bed room apt in College park, MD: $450 USD (Craig list)

Transportation
Car: Toyota Camry SE 07

Micro Toyota Saipan $24,199 / 3.7k Down payment / $489.00per month/60month
Castle Toyota MD $19,408 / 0 Down payment / $482.97per month/48month

Public transportations:
Bus:

Saipan: NA
Maryland: Maryland Transit administration (MTA) $1.60

Taxi:

Saipan: Average 3 ~5 USD anywhere on island
Maryland: $4USD initial and $.40 succeeding one-fourth mile

Utilities
Vehicle Gas:

Saipan: $3.49USD/gallon regular
Maryland: $3.12USD/gallon regular

Electricity/Water:

Saipan:23.7 ~34.8 cents/KWh
Maryland:10.78 cents/KWh

Entertainment
Latest feature film:

Maryland: Loews Cineplex Cinema $9USD
Saipan: Hollywood Theater $7USD

DVD rental:

Blockbuster Saipan $2.99USD
Blockbuster MD $4.99USD

Weekend trip to the beach:

Saipan: Nothing .. walk across the street
Maryland: Trip to Virginia Beach,avg 100~200

Food

BigMac Meal Saipan: $5.75 (USD)
BigMac Meal MD: $4.39 +tax USD

Saipan: Can of 12floz Coke (Joten) .65 cents
Maryland: Can of 12floz Coke (Walmart) .45cents +tax

Saipan: Spam 12 ounce can (Joten) $2.09
Maryland: Spam 12 ounce can (Giant) $3.09 +tax

Saipan: Half case of Budweiser (Joten) $11.49
Maryland: Half case of Budweiser (Giant) $11.95 +tax