Cost of living in Cupertino

Cupertino, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is known for its high-tech industry presence and affluent lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living in Cupertino is crucial for anyone considering moving to or working in this vibrant city.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses in Cupertino, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.

An image showcasing the beauty of Cupertino

People enjoying the surroundings of Cupertino

Cost of Living Summary

Dining and Restaurants

Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $15 and $30.
Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $68, with prices ranging from $36 to $150.
Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $8 and $12.
Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $10, imported beer $8 to $12, cappuccino $4 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $6.

Grocery Prices

Milk - Milk is priced between $0.61 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $1.19.
Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.76 and $6.61, with an average price of $3.31.
Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4.5 to $7, averaging $6.5.
Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.31 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $4.41 to $11.02 per kg.
Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $3.31 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.3 to $2.5 per head.

Transportation

Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $3, with a monthly pass priced at $140.
Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.19 and $1.32 per liter.
Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $36,753.89 and $40,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $26,000 to $40,000.

Housing Costs

1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $3000, averaging $2400.
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1800 to $2000, averaging $1900.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $4000 to $5500, averaging $4500.
3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3800 to $4500, averaging $4150.

Utilities

Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $70 and $460.42, averaging $167.5.
Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $100, with an average cost of $65.59.

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 13 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.

Restaurants

Avg / Range

Restaurants

Avg

Range

Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant

$20.00

Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course

$68.00

McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)

$10.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.00

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.50

Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.50

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.00

Cappuccino (regular)

$4.50

Markets

Avg / Range

Markets

Avg

Range

Milk (regular), (1 liter)

$1.19

Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)

$3.31

Eggs (regular) (12)

$6.50

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.82

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.00

Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)

$10.00

Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.73

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.50

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)

$10.00

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.02

Apples (1kg)

$6.25

Oranges (1kg)

$4.41

Potato (1kg)

$3.86

Lettuce (1 head)

$1.90

Rice (white), (1kg)

$4.41

Tomato (1kg)

$5.44

Banana (1kg)

$1.73

Onion (1kg)

$5.72

Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)

$11.02

Transportation

Avg / Range

Transportation

Avg

Range

One-way Ticket (Local Transport)

$3.00

Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$140.00

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.25

Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)

$38,376.95

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$0.00

Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)

$0.00

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$0.00

Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)

$26,448.64

Rent Per Month

Avg / Range

Rent Per Month

Avg

Range

Full Cost of Living Rankings

Overview Job Market

California Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Cupertino's cost of living is notably high, particularly in terms of housing and dining. Rent prices are substantial, especially in the city centre.
Grocery prices are also above average, with essentials like milk, bread, and eggs costing more than in many other regions.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being relatively stable.
Utilities and internet services are priced competitively, though they can vary significantly depending on usage and provider.

Conclusion

Living in Cupertino offers a unique blend of high-tech opportunities and a vibrant community, but it comes with a high cost of living.

Prospective residents should be prepared for significant expenses, particularly in housing and dining. However, with careful budgeting and planning, it is possible to enjoy all that Cupertino has to offer.