Cost of living in Madera
Madera, located in the heart of California, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessibility to larger urban areas. Understanding the cost of living in Madera is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to this vibrant community.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Madera, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities. Whether you're planning to relocate or simply curious about the cost of living, this overview will offer valuable insights.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $30 on average, with a range between $25 and $45.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $70, with prices ranging from $40 to $80.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a consistent price of $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $7 to $20, imported beer $3 to $9, cappuccino $3 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $1.05 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.37.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.8 and $6.61, with an average price of $4.3.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $4.5 to $7, averaging $5.83.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $5.51 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.2 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $2 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.06 and $1.32 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $5, with a cost of $3 per km and $30 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $30,000, while a Toyota Corolla is priced around $26,667.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $1,000 and $1,300 monthly, averaging $1,150.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school is consistently $24,000.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $155 and $280.58, averaging $228.53.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, with an average cost of $68.33.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $20 and $55, averaging $46.5.
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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Madera offers a relatively high cost of living, particularly in dining and housing. However, transportation and utility costs are moderate.
For those looking to save, consider exploring local markets for groceries and utilizing public transportation options when possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Madera presents a diverse cost of living landscape with notable expenses in dining and housing. While some costs are on the higher side, the city's charm and location offer a compelling reason for many to call it home.
Prospective residents should weigh these costs against the benefits of living in Madera, such as its community atmosphere and proximity to larger cities.