Cost of living in La Mesa
La Mesa, located in California, is a vibrant city known for its pleasant climate and community atmosphere. Understanding the cost of living in La Mesa is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, 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 $18 on average, with a range between $12 and $30.
- 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 $175.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $13.25, with a range between $11 and $17.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $20, imported beer $6 to $11, cappuccino $3.25 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.53 per liter, averaging $1.09.
- 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 $6.54, averaging $3.41.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $0.99 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 $3.29 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.25.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.96 and $1.59 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $2.05 to $3.73 per km and $28 to $70 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter is not specified in the data provided.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $550, averaging $130.53.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, 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"
La Mesa offers a moderate cost of living with dining and grocery prices that are relatively affordable compared to larger cities.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transport and fuel prices being manageable for most residents.
Housing data is not fully available, but utility costs are within a typical range for the region.
Conclusion
In conclusion, La Mesa, CA, presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with access to urban amenities.
While some housing data is missing, the available information suggests that residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with careful budgeting.