Cost of living in El Centro
El Centro, located in California, United States, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessibility to larger urban areas. Understanding the cost of living in El Centro 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 $12 on average, with a range between $11 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $40, with prices ranging from $40 to $175.
- 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 $3 to $11, imported beer $7 to $10, cappuccino $4 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 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 $5.58.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $5, averaging $3.83.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.73 to $13.21 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.76 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.49 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.21 and $1.45 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $2.75 per km and $32 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre averages $2000.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $290, averaging $186.77.
- Internet - Internet services range from $70 to $85, with an average cost of $74.89.
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"
El Centro offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Californian cities. Dining out is reasonably priced, especially at casual restaurants.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like bread and cheese being on the higher end. Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices reflecting typical California rates.
Housing is affordable, particularly for larger apartments outside the city centre. Utilities and internet costs are in line with national averages.
Conclusion
In conclusion, El Centro provides a balanced cost of living with affordable housing and dining options. While some grocery items may be priced higher, overall expenses remain manageable.
For those considering a move to El Centro, understanding these costs can help in budgeting and financial planning, ensuring a smooth transition to this charming city.