Imperial, 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 Imperial is crucial for potential residents and those considering relocation.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, 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 $20 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 $100, with prices ranging from $60 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 $5 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 $3, with a cost of $2.75 per km and $32 per hour of waiting.
  • Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $28,500 and $36,753.89, while a Toyota Corolla is priced at $27,256.

Housing Costs

  • Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $1,500 and $1,950 monthly, averaging $1,807.14.
  • International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school ranges from $30,000 to $42,700, averaging $40,160.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $382.86, averaging $186.77.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $70 to $85, with an average cost of $74.89.
Worldwide
United States

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024
Full Cost of Living Rankings

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 1 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$100.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$10.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$8.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$8.85
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.75
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.40
Cappuccino (regular)
$5.64
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.16
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$5.58
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.83
Local Cheese (1kg)
$13.04
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.07
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$15.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.73
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$4.62
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$9.64
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$11.38
Apples (1kg)
$6.39
Oranges (1kg)
$3.86
Potato (1kg)
$3.24
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.12
Rice (white), (1kg)
$4.70
Tomato (1kg)
$5.46
Banana (1kg)
$1.83
Onion (1kg)
$3.01
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$14.54
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.27
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$28,500.00
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$4.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$2.75
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$32.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$27,596.75
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$186.77
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$74.89
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$48.38
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$16.75
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$69.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$40.75
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$82.50
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$156.00
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6.8%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$1,807.14
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$40,160.00
Imperial Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Imperial, CA, presents a moderate cost of living with reasonable prices in dining and groceries. Housing and education costs are significant, especially for private schooling.

Transportation costs are manageable, with competitive fuel prices and car purchase options. Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to overall living expenses.

Conclusion

Imperial, CA, offers a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking a blend of affordability and quality of life.

While housing and education can be costly, the city provides a range of options to suit different budgets. Understanding these costs can help potential residents plan effectively for a move to Imperial.