Cost of living in Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores, Alabama, is a charming coastal city known for its beautiful beaches 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 the expenses you can expect in Gulf Shores, covering everything from dining and groceries to transportation and housing.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $25 on average, with a range between $15 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $107.5, with prices ranging from $85 to $213.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $12 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $7.09, imported beer $6 to $9, cappuccino $2.5 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $5.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.98 per liter, averaging $1.27.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.19 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.79.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $5.09, averaging $3.45.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.62 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.05 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.65 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $2.61 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.74 and $0.92 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.5, with a cost of $1.49 per km and $35 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $36,000 and $38,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $26,000 to $30,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $106.25 and $375, averaging $209.08.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $93, with an average cost of $70.24.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States 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 States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Gulf Shores offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly between casual and upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices are relatively moderate, though some items like local cheese and beef can be on the higher side.
Transportation costs are manageable, especially for those who drive, given the relatively low gasoline prices.
Housing data is limited, but utility costs are fairly standard, with internet services being slightly above average.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Gulf Shores, AL, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable transportation and moderate grocery prices.
While dining can be expensive, especially in mid-range restaurants, there are options for more budget-friendly meals.
Prospective residents should consider the lack of detailed housing cost data when planning their move.