Cost of living in Mountain View
Mountain View, located in the heart of Silicon Valley, is known for its high-tech industry and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving to or working in the area.
The cost of living in Mountain View can be significantly higher than the national average, influenced by factors such as housing, dining, and transportation costs. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these expenses 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 $20 on average, with a range between $15 and $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $100, with prices ranging from $75 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $8 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $11, imported beer $8 to $15, cappuccino $3.09 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $6.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.61 and $1.85 per liter, averaging $1.26.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.76 and $6.61, with an average price of $4.41.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $9, averaging $4.69.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.31 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.14 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.46 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.3 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.5 and $3.2, with a monthly pass priced at $90.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.18 and $1.45 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.5, with a cost of $1.86 to $3.11 per km and $30 to $65 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2450 to $3000, averaging $2812.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2250 to $2550, averaging $2400.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $5200.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $5000.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $10236.48.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $145.13 and $500, averaging $274.56.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $120, with an average cost of $65.59.
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"
Mountain View is an expensive city to live in, with high costs in housing and dining. However, the high average salary can offset these expenses.
To save money, consider living outside the city centre where rent is slightly lower, and explore public transportation options to reduce commuting costs.
Conclusion
Living in Mountain View offers the advantage of being close to major tech companies and a vibrant community, but it comes with a high cost of living.
Potential residents should carefully consider their budget, especially for housing and dining, and explore cost-saving measures such as public transportation and living outside the city centre.