Union City, located in California, is a vibrant city known for its diverse community and proximity to major urban centers. Understanding the cost of living in Union City is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the area.

This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping 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 $16 and $30.
  • Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $60 to $250.
  • Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $12.
  • Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $12, imported beer $7 to $15, cappuccino $4.75 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $6.

Grocery Prices

  • Milk - Milk is priced between $1.06 and $3 per liter, averaging $1.19.
  • Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $7.5, with an average price of $3.58.
  • Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $3 to $5.2, averaging $3.75.
  • Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2 to $8.8 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $4.41 per kg.
  • Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $3.25 per head.

Transportation

  • Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.21 and $1.32 per liter.
  • Taxi Fares - Taxi fares cost $1.86 per km.

Housing Costs

  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2700 to $5000, averaging $3850.
  • 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $3000.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3600 to $7000, averaging $5300.
  • 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $6000.

Utilities

  • Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $95 and $503.21, averaging $159.
  • Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $200, with an average cost of $67.5.
Worldwide
United States

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.

Highest to LowestUpdated: Dec, 2024
Full Cost of Living Rankings

Cost of Living Data

The following pricing data has been gathered from 2 user contributions, as of the most recent update in November, 2024.
Restaurants
Avg / Range
Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant
$20.00
Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course
$75.00
McMeal at McDonalds (or Equivalent Combo Meal)
$11.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.00
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$9.00
Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.43
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.65
Cappuccino (regular)
$5.67
Markets
Avg / Range
Milk (regular), (1 liter)
$1.19
Loaf of Fresh White Bread (500g)
$3.58
Eggs (regular) (12)
$3.75
Local Cheese (1kg)
$19.11
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$1.82
Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range)
$12.00
Domestic Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.80
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.75
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro)
$12.00
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$9.68
Apples (1kg)
$5.51
Oranges (1kg)
$3.06
Potato (1kg)
$2.18
Lettuce (1 head)
$2.25
Rice (white), (1kg)
$5.50
Tomato (1kg)
$5.89
Banana (1kg)
$2.63
Onion (1kg)
$4.08
Beef Round (1kg) (or Equivalent Back Leg Red Meat)
$8.82
Transportation
Avg / Range
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.25
Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (Or Equivalent New Car)
$40,876.95
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$0.00
Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff)
$1.86
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$0.00
Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (Or Equivalent New Car)
$25,000.00
Rent Per Month
Avg / Range
Apartment (1 bedroom) in City Centre
$3,850.00
Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre
$3,000.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre
$5,300.00
Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre
$6,000.00
Utilities (Monthly)
Avg / Range
Basic (Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 85m2 Apartment
$159.00
Internet (60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL)
$67.50
Mobile Phone Monthly Plan with Calls and 10GB+ Data
$43.89
Sports And Leisure
Avg / Range
Cinema, International Release, 1 Seat
$12.50
Clothing And Shoes
Avg / Range
1 Pair of Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$22.00
1 Summer Dress in a Chain Store (Zara, H&M, ...)
$35.00
1 Pair of Nike Running Shoes (Mid-Range)
$85.00
1 Pair of Men Leather Business Shoes
$196.67
Salaries And Financing
Avg / Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$10,416.67
Mortgage Interest Rate in Percentages (%), Yearly, for 20 Years Fixed-Rate
6%
Childcare
Avg / Range
Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child
$1,700.00
International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child
$32,215.00
Union City Cost of Living

"Key Takeaways"

Union City offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.

Grocery prices in Union City are relatively moderate, though some items like fresh produce can vary widely in cost.

Transportation costs are primarily driven by fuel prices, which are consistent with the national average.

Housing in Union City is on the higher end, particularly in the city centre, reflecting its desirability and proximity to major urban areas.

Utilities and internet costs are comparable to other cities in California, with some variability based on usage and provider.

Conclusion

Union City, CA, presents a cost of living that is reflective of its location in the Bay Area, with higher housing costs balanced by moderate expenses in other categories.

Prospective residents should budget carefully, particularly for housing, while taking advantage of the diverse dining and grocery options available.

Overall, Union City offers a vibrant lifestyle with access to amenities and services that justify its cost of living.