Cost of living in Pasadena
Pasadena, located in the sunny state of California, is known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in Pasadena is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this dynamic city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping 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 $10 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $60 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.5, with a range between $10 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $12, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $3 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $2.64 per liter, averaging $1.28.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $3.31 and $7.72, with an average price of $4.44.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.5 to $7, averaging $4.71.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $13.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.18 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.5 and $1.7, with a monthly pass priced at $52.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.19 and $1.41 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $0.93 to $1.86 per km and $15 to $60 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2700 to $3500, averaging $3000.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2100 to $2500, averaging $2366.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $4500 to $5000, averaging $4833.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent is fixed at $4000.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $6210.78 to $10763.91, averaging $7811.01.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $8611.13.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $114.75 and $548.96, averaging $263.54.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $150, with an average cost of $75.12.
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
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Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Pasadena offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly depending on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Pasadena can be relatively high, particularly for items like bread and eggs.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable public transport options and competitive fuel prices.
Housing in Pasadena is on the expensive side, especially in the city centre, reflecting the city's desirability and high demand.
Utilities and internet services are additional expenses to consider, with costs varying based on usage and provider.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pasadena presents a vibrant lifestyle with a cost of living that reflects its status as a desirable Californian city.
While housing and dining can be costly, there are opportunities to manage expenses through careful budgeting and exploring different neighborhoods.
Understanding these costs is essential for anyone planning to move to or live in Pasadena, ensuring a comfortable and financially sustainable lifestyle.