Cost of living in Santa Monica
Santa Monica, located in the sunny state of California, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant lifestyle. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for anyone considering moving here or planning a visit.
The cost of living encompasses various aspects such as housing, transportation, dining, and groceries, which can significantly impact your budget. This guide provides a detailed breakdown of these expenses in Santa Monica for 2024.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $25 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 $110, with prices ranging from $60 to $130.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $11, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.21.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $5.51, with an average price of $4.41.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.5 to $7, averaging $4.85.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.76 to $6.59 per kg, while oranges range from $1.65 to $7.72 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $2.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $1.75 and $2.5, with a monthly pass priced at $80.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.12 and $1.52 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 (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2600 to $3200, averaging $2900.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2300 to $2900, averaging $2600.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3800 to $7000, averaging $5433.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $3200 to $5000, averaging $4366.67.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $9418.42.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter averages $7534.74.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $350, averaging $191.73.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $100, with an average cost of $73.64.
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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Rent Per Month
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Sports And Leisure
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Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
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Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Santa Monica is a relatively expensive city, with high costs in housing and dining. Rent prices are notably high, especially in the city centre.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and gasoline prices being relatively affordable compared to other expenses.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like bread and eggs being on the higher side, while others like milk remain affordable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, living in Santa Monica offers a vibrant lifestyle with beautiful surroundings, but it comes with a high cost of living.
Prospective residents should be prepared for significant expenses in housing and dining, while transportation and some grocery items remain more budget-friendly.
Understanding these costs can help in planning and managing your budget effectively if you are considering moving to or visiting Santa Monica.