Cost of living in Foster City
Foster City, located in California, is known for its scenic views and high quality of life. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move to this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Foster City, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15 on average, with a range between $15 and $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70, with prices ranging from $70 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $11, imported beer $10 to $15, cappuccino $3.09 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.05 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $1.06.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.31 and $6.6, with an average price of $3.31.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $9, averaging $3.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.31 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.14 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.46 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.29 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $5.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.18 and $1.85 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.5, with a cost of $1.86 to $3.11 per km and $30 to $65 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is $3000.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent is $2600.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre is $4500.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent is $4500.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $166.96 and $500, averaging $279.68.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $120, with an average cost of $63.33.
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
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"Key Takeaways"
Foster City offers a high standard of living with corresponding costs, particularly in housing and dining.
While transportation and utilities are relatively moderate, grocery prices can vary significantly.
Potential residents should budget carefully, especially for housing and dining, to manage expenses effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Foster City presents a desirable living environment with a cost of living that reflects its quality of life.
Prospective residents should be prepared for higher housing costs and plan their budgets accordingly to enjoy all that this city has to offer.