Cost of living in Crested Butte
Crested Butte, located in Colorado, is known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in this picturesque town is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15 on average, with a range between $15 and $45.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $50 to $115.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8, with a range between $8 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $12, imported beer $7 to $9, cappuccino $3 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.2.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $5.51, with an average price of $3.64.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.4 to $6.27, averaging $4.59.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.84 to $4.41 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.72 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.49 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.71 and $1.05 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.4 per km and $25 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $22,000 and $36,029.12, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $25,000 to $30,000.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is $1,666.67 per month.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for an international primary school is $24,500.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $134.21 and $275, averaging $192.37.
- Internet - Internet services range from $80 to $110, with an average cost of $97.25.
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"
Crested Butte offers a unique blend of natural beauty and community living, but it comes with a relatively high cost of living.
Dining out can be expensive, especially at mid-range restaurants, while grocery prices vary widely.
Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being relatively low compared to urban areas.
Housing and education costs are significant, particularly for private schooling.
Conclusion
Living in Crested Butte, CO, provides a serene environment with access to beautiful landscapes and a tight-knit community.
However, potential residents should be prepared for higher living costs, particularly in dining, housing, and education.
By understanding these expenses, individuals can better plan their finances and enjoy all that Crested Butte has to offer.