Cost of living in Wheaton
Wheaton, located in Illinois, is a vibrant city known for its community atmosphere and proximity to Chicago. Understanding the cost of living in Wheaton is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Wheaton, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
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 $12.
- 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 $1.99 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.66 and $1.06 per liter, averaging $0.84.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $6.61, 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 $1.85 to $7.72 per kg, while oranges range from $1.52 to $5.49 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.3 and $3.51 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.3 to $2.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $5.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.74 and $1.05 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.5, with a cost of $0.78 to $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 $1250 to $1700, averaging $1475.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1190.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2400 to $3500, averaging $2950.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2150 to $3000, averaging $2575.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $170, averaging $140.
- Internet - Internet services range from $35 to $95, with an average cost of $60.
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"
Wheaton offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable housing and utility expenses. Dining out can vary significantly in price, offering options for both budget and upscale experiences.
Transportation costs are relatively low, especially for gasoline, making it an affordable city for car owners.
Grocery prices are competitive, with a wide range of options available for fresh produce and essentials.
Conclusion
Overall, Wheaton, IL, presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles. Whether you're dining out, shopping for groceries, or commuting, the city offers a range of options to suit different budgets.
For those considering a move to Wheaton, understanding these costs can help in planning and managing monthly expenses effectively.