Cost of living in Williams Lake
Williams Lake, located in the heart of British Columbia, Canada, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Williams Lake, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $10.73 on average.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $35.75.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.73.
- Beverages (e.g., Coke/Pepsi, Water) - A 0.33 liter bottle of Coke/Pepsi or water costs $2.86.
- Cappuccino - A regular cappuccino is priced at $5.72.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.99 and $2.71 per liter, averaging $2.35.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs $3.21.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4.29 to $6.79, averaging $5.54.
- Local Cheese (1kg) - Local cheese is priced at $23.53 per kg.
- Chicken Fillets (1kg) - Chicken fillets cost $18.88 per kg.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges, Bananas) - Apples cost $4.72 per kg, oranges $3.15 per kg, and bananas $4.22 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions) - Potatoes are priced at $3.15 per kg, lettuce $2.35 per head, tomatoes $15.09 per kg, and onions $5.22 per kg.
- Beef Round (1kg) - Beef round or equivalent back leg red meat costs $18.88 per kg.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.25.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.07 and $1.27 per liter, averaging $1.15.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $715.09 to $1215.65, averaging $929.61.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $572.07 to $1215.65, averaging $893.86.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1001.12 to $1573.19, averaging $1358.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $858.11 to $1644.7, averaging $1251.4.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost $143.02.
- Internet - Internet services range from $83.67 to $85.81, with an average cost of $84.74.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $17.88 and $46.48, averaging $32.18.
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"
Williams Lake offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Canadian cities. Dining and grocery prices are moderate, making it easier to manage daily expenses.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with more affordable options available outside the city centre.
Transportation costs are low, especially for public transport, which can be a cost-effective way to navigate the city.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Williams Lake provides a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and transportation options. While some grocery items and utilities may be on the higher side, the overall expenses remain manageable.
This makes Williams Lake an attractive option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle without the high costs associated with larger urban areas.