Cost of living in Seward
Seward, located in the picturesque state of Alaska, offers a unique living experience with its stunning natural landscapes and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in Seward is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to this charming city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $21 on average, with a range between $15 and $28.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $85, with prices ranging from $70 to $140.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.5, with a range between $10.5 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $9, imported beer $6 to $9, cappuccino $4 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1 and $1.53 per liter, averaging $1.16.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.08 and $5.1, with an average price of $4.21.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.19 to $3.89, averaging $3.1.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.31 to $9.9 per kg, while oranges range from $4.39 to $8.38 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.3 and $2.84 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.29 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.95 and $1.23 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.75, with a cost of $1.71 per km and $38 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not available for Seward.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not available for Seward.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - Data not available for Seward.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Data not available for Seward.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $200 and $525, averaging $348.11.
- Internet - Internet services range from $100 to $189, with an average cost of $129.33.
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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Seward offers a relatively high cost of living, particularly in dining and utilities. While housing data is limited, the available information suggests that other living expenses such as groceries and transportation are moderately priced.
Residents and newcomers should budget carefully, especially for dining out and utility bills, and consider exploring local markets for more affordable grocery options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Seward, AK, presents a unique living environment with its natural beauty and community charm. However, the cost of living can be on the higher side, especially in terms of dining and utilities.
Prospective residents should weigh these costs against the benefits of living in such a scenic location and plan their finances accordingly to enjoy all that Seward has to offer.