Cost of living in Alton
Alton, located in Illinois, is a city known for its rich history and vibrant community. Understanding the cost of living in Alton is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, 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 $20.5 on average, with a range between $17 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $50 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.5, with a range between $11 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $9, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $2.5 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $2.25.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.66 and $0.95 per liter, averaging $0.76.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $3.5, with an average price of $2.73.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.69 to $5.69, averaging $3.9.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.06 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $1.65 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.99 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.72 and $0.95 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.55 to $1.86 per km.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $36,036.53, while a Toyota Corolla is priced at $26,372.29.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $700.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $800.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1100.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1300.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $223.24 and $300, averaging $268.31.
- Internet - Internet services range from $24.58 to $123, with an average cost of $62.5.
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.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Alton offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with moderate prices in dining and housing.
Transportation costs are manageable, especially for those who own a vehicle, given the reasonable fuel prices.
Grocery prices are varied, with some items like milk and bread being quite affordable, while others like fruits can be more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Alton, IL, presents a balanced cost of living that can accommodate various lifestyles. While some expenses such as dining and utilities are moderate, housing remains affordable, especially outside the city centre.
Potential residents should consider their personal needs and budget to make the most of living in this charming city.