Cost of living in Kingston upon Thames
Kingston upon Thames, a vibrant area in the United Kingdom, offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Kingston upon Thames, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $25.3 on average, with a range between $13.91 and $50.59.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $79.05, with prices ranging from $63.24 to $88.54.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.12, with a range between $6.32 and $10.12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $2.53 to $8.85, imported beer $4.55 to $10.12, cappuccino $1.9 to $5.69, and Coke/Pepsi $1.26 to $3.79.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.95 and $2.09 per liter, averaging $1.64.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.79 and $1.64, with an average price of $1.36.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.02 to $4.68, averaging $3.79.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.26 to $3.79 per kg, while oranges range from $1.26 to $3.77 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.57 and $2.53 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.54 to $1.52 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.21 and $10.25.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.69 and $2.15 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.05, with a cost of $1.26 to $2.15 per km and $11.38 to $36.43 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1834.02 to $2023.74, averaging $1928.88.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1644.29 to $1834.02, averaging $1749.69.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2782.65 to $3794.52, averaging $3457.23.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2213.47 to $3604.79, averaging $2993.45.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $15384.52.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $4111.62.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $189.73 and $516.05, averaging $323.1.
- Internet - Internet services range from $25.3 to $50.59, with an average cost of $37.15.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Kingston upon Thames presents a relatively high cost of living, particularly in housing and dining. Rent prices are notably high, especially in the city centre.
Dining out can be expensive, with even casual meals costing significantly. However, grocery prices offer some relief with competitive pricing on essentials.
Transportation costs vary, with public transport offering a more economical option compared to taxis. Fuel prices are moderate, reflecting typical UK pricing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kingston upon Thames offers a vibrant lifestyle with a cost of living that reflects its desirable location. While housing and dining are on the higher end, careful budgeting can help manage expenses.
Prospective residents should consider the balance between the city's amenities and the associated costs, ensuring that their lifestyle aligns with their financial situation.