Cost of living in Aliso Viejo
Aliso Viejo, located in the heart of Orange County, California, offers a suburban lifestyle with proximity to the coast and major urban centers. Understanding the cost of living in Aliso Viejo is crucial for potential residents and those considering relocation.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
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 $11 and $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $100, with prices ranging from $60 to $170.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $10 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $11, imported beer $4 to $10, cappuccino $4 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.66 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.16.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $6.61, with an average price of $4.94.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.5 to $5, averaging $4.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.76 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $1.65 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $3.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.06 and $1.45 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $1.68 per km and $29.19 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2600 to $2800, averaging $2700.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $2400.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3500 to $4200, averaging $3850.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $290, averaging $186.77.
- Internet - Internet services range from $38 to $85, with an average cost of $73.82.
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.
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"Key Takeaways"
Aliso Viejo presents a relatively high cost of living, particularly in housing and dining. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre is notably high, reflecting the area's desirability.
Dining out can be expensive, especially at mid-range restaurants. However, grocery prices offer some affordability, with staples like milk and bread being reasonably priced.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being manageable. Utilities and internet services are also within a reasonable range, although they can add up quickly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aliso Viejo offers a desirable living environment with a cost of living that reflects its location in Orange County. While housing and dining are on the higher end, careful budgeting can help manage expenses.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and financial situation when deciding to move to Aliso Viejo. The city's amenities and quality of life may justify the higher costs for many.