Cost of living in Salt Spring Island
Salt Spring Island, located in Canada, is known for its natural beauty and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $17.89 on average, with a range between $14.31 and $25.05.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $71.57, with prices ranging from $53.68 to $100.19.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.74, with a range between $10.74 and $14.31.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5.73 to $6.44, imported beer $4.29 to $7.16, cappuccino $2.5 to $5.01, and Coke/Pepsi $1.36 to $2.86.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.42 and $4.47 per liter, averaging $2.22.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.79 and $3.58, with an average price of $2.44.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.15 to $4.29, averaging $3.43.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.15 to $4.65 per kg, while oranges range from $2.5 to $3.14 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.79 and $2.15 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.36 to $1.43 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.15 and $1.32 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.15, with a cost of $1.79 per km and $22.9 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $24,317.18, while a Toyota Corolla is priced at $19,597.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - Monthly preschool costs range from $715.67 to $930.38, averaging $787.24.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $61.84 and $322.05, averaging $142.13.
- Internet - Internet services range from $53.68 to $79.27, with an average cost of $59.4.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $28.63 and $71.57, averaging $46.67.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for Canada are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in Canada, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Salt Spring Island offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Transportation costs are relatively low, especially for fuel, but car purchases can be significant.
Housing and utility costs vary, with some expenses like internet and mobile plans being quite affordable.
Conclusion
Overall, Salt Spring Island presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle in Canada.
Potential residents should consider the variability in housing and utility costs when planning their budget.