Cost of living in Ottawa
Ottawa, Illinois, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessibility to larger urban areas. Understanding the cost of living in Ottawa is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to this quaint city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $14.5 on average, with a range between $12 and $26.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $44 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $13.78.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.5 to $7, imported beer $3 to $10, cappuccino $4.38 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $2.75.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.66 and $1.24 per liter, averaging $0.78.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.57 and $4.41, with an average price of $2.98.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs are consistently priced at $4.12.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 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 $0.66 and $7.19 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.69 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.5 per liter.
- Car Purchase (e.g., Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla) - A new Volkswagen Golf costs around $40,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $20,000 to $55,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $650.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1250.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent for a 3-bedroom apartment averages $1500.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $400, averaging $216.67.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $117, with an average cost of $62.
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"
Ottawa, IL, offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger cities, with moderate housing and utility costs.
Dining out can vary significantly in price, providing options for both budget-friendly and upscale experiences.
Transportation costs are manageable, especially for those who own a vehicle, given the reasonable fuel prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ottawa, IL, presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles and budgets.
Whether you're dining out, shopping for groceries, or considering housing options, Ottawa offers competitive prices that make it an attractive place to live.
Potential residents can enjoy the benefits of small-town living with the convenience of nearby urban amenities.