Cost of living in Fountain Valley
Fountain Valley, located in California, is a vibrant city known for its suburban charm and proximity to major urban centers. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Fountain Valley, 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 $18 on average, with a range between $12 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70, with prices ranging from $50 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $12 and $16.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $20, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $3.25 to $10, and Coke/Pepsi $2.25 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.53 per liter, averaging $1.04.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.42 and $5.51, with an average price of $3.89.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $4, averaging $3.41.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.76 to $7.72 per kg, while oranges range from $1.76 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $11.02 per kg, and lettuce costs $0.99 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.19 and $1.59 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $6.25, with a cost of $0 per km and $0 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $23,200 and $36,753.89, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $21,500 to $35,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2,516.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $2,324.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $2,500.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $2,300.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $500, averaging $130.53.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $74.99, with an average cost of $66.5.
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"
Fountain Valley offers a moderate cost of living with relatively high housing costs, especially in the city centre.
Dining out can be affordable, with a range of options from inexpensive meals to more upscale dining experiences.
Transportation costs are manageable, with gasoline prices being fairly standard for the region.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like fresh produce and dairy being reasonably priced.
Conclusion
Overall, Fountain Valley presents a balanced cost of living, with certain areas like housing and dining being more expensive.
Prospective residents should consider these factors when planning their budget, especially if they are looking to rent in the city centre.
With its suburban appeal and proximity to larger cities, Fountain Valley remains an attractive option for many.