Cost of living in Monterey Park
Monterey Park, located in California, is a vibrant city known for its diverse community and cultural richness. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $19 on average, with a range between $16 and $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $85, with prices ranging from $60 to $170.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $11 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $12, imported beer $5 to $13, cappuccino $4 to $10, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.45 per liter, averaging $1.21.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.97.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.5 to $7, averaging $3.46.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.76 to $6.59 per kg, while oranges range from $1.65 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.12 and $1.32 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.1, with a cost of $1.68 to $3.73 per km and $29.19 to $60 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the centre averages $1800.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre averages $3500.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $350, averaging $218.54.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $95, with an average cost of $73.82.
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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Salaries And Financing
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Childcare
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"Key Takeaways"
Monterey Park offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices are relatively moderate, with essentials like milk and bread being affordable.
Transportation costs are manageable, especially for those who rely on public transport or taxis.
Housing costs can be high, particularly for larger apartments, but options outside the city centre may offer more affordable rents.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to a balanced monthly budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Monterey Park presents a varied cost of living landscape, with some areas being more expensive than others.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget constraints when planning a move to this vibrant city.
Overall, Monterey Park offers a rich cultural experience with a cost of living that reflects its unique position in California.