Cost of living in Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest, located in California, offers a unique living experience with its desert landscape and small-town charm. Understanding the cost of living in Ridgecrest is crucial for potential residents and those planning to relocate.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Ridgecrest, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
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 $25.
- 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 $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $14, with a range between $12 and $18.
- 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 $2.33 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 $3.75, averaging $3.41.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.28 to $7.72 per kg, while oranges range from $3.28 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 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.21 and $1.59 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $6.25, with a cost of $0 per km and $0 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $23,200 and $36,753.89, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $26,897.27 to $35,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $900.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent also averages $900.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1800.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1800.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $200, averaging $130.53.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $85, 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.
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"Key Takeaways"
Ridgecrest offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger Californian cities. Dining and grocery prices are moderate, while housing costs are consistent across the city.
Transportation costs are manageable, especially for those who own a vehicle, given the reasonable gasoline prices.
Utilities and internet services are priced within a typical range, making Ridgecrest a balanced choice for those seeking a cost-effective lifestyle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ridgecrest, CA, presents a cost of living that is accessible for many, with affordable housing and moderate prices in dining and groceries.
The city's transportation and utility costs further enhance its appeal as a viable option for individuals and families looking to settle in a smaller, yet well-equipped community.