Cost of living in Crystal Lake
Crystal Lake, located in Illinois, is a charming city known for its vibrant community and scenic landscapes. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning their budget.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, groceries, transportation, 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 $15 on average, with a range between $10 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $50 to $125.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $9 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $6 to $8, cappuccino $3 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.71 and $1.16 per liter, averaging $0.96.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.97 and $7.72, with an average price of $4.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.7 to $6, averaging $3.33.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.62 to $8.8 per kg, while oranges range from $1.52 to $12.5 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.52 and $3.51 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.3 to $2.5 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.74 and $1.03 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.5, with a cost of $2.17 per km and $42 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1200 to $1995, averaging $1597.5.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1200 to $1995, averaging $1597.5.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1800.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1700.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $129 and $265, averaging $196.44.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $95, with an average cost of $71.56.
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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Crystal Lake offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable housing and dining expenses. While some grocery items like bread and fruits can be on the higher side, transportation and utility costs remain manageable.
For those looking to save, consider dining at inexpensive restaurants and exploring housing options outside the city centre.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Crystal Lake, IL, presents a balanced cost of living that caters to various lifestyles. With its affordable housing options and diverse dining scene, it is an attractive location for both families and individuals.
Potential residents should weigh the costs of groceries and utilities against the benefits of living in this picturesque city. Overall, Crystal Lake offers a comfortable living environment with a mix of urban and suburban amenities.