Cost of living in Middletown
Middletown, located in Delaware, offers a unique blend of suburban charm and accessibility to larger urban areas. Understanding the cost of living in Middletown is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in various categories, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8 on average, with a range between $8 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $65, with prices ranging from $50 to $140.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $15, with a range between $10 and $17.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $10, imported beer $8 to $10, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.99 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.31 per liter, averaging $1.08.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $5.51, with an average price of $4.04.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $5, averaging $4.23.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4.41 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $3.31 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.07 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.07 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $1.86 to $3 per km and $42 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $30,000, while a Toyota Corolla is priced between $25,000 and $30,000.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool or kindergarten ranges from $800 to $2000 monthly, averaging $1366.67.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $503.21, averaging $180.
- Internet - Internet services range from $29 to $100, with an average cost of $57.33.
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"
Middletown offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing and utility costs can vary significantly, so it's important to budget accordingly.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable gasoline prices and reasonable taxi fares.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Middletown, DE, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable dining and grocery options.
While housing and utility costs can fluctuate, careful planning can help manage these expenses effectively.
Overall, Middletown is a viable option for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with access to urban amenities.