Cost of living in Clear Lake
Clear Lake, located in Iowa, United States, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Clear Lake is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to this picturesque city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the various expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing, 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 on average, with a range between $12 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $35, with prices ranging from $35 to $110.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $8 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $12, imported beer $5.5 to $15, cappuccino $4.75 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.25 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.45 and $1.22 per liter, averaging $0.91.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.08 and $4.41, with an average price of $3.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.54 to $4.25, averaging $2.85.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.84 to $13.23 per kg, while oranges range from $2.76 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.46 and $3.68 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.79 to $2.17 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.75 and $0.91 per liter.
- Car Purchase (Toyota Corolla Sedan) - A new Toyota Corolla Sedan costs between $26,000 and $33,000.
Housing Costs
- Mortgage Interest Rate - The mortgage interest rate for a 20-year fixed-rate loan is between 6.19% and 6.8%, averaging 6.58%.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $116 and $250, averaging $205.33.
- Internet - Internet services range from $55 to $130, with an average cost of $86.25.
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"
Clear Lake offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger urban areas, with moderate prices for dining and groceries.
Housing costs are influenced by competitive mortgage rates, making it a viable option for homebuyers.
Transportation costs are manageable, especially for those who own a vehicle, given the reasonable gasoline prices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Clear Lake, IA, presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles. Whether you're dining out, shopping for groceries, or managing household expenses, the city offers competitive pricing.
For potential residents, Clear Lake provides an appealing mix of affordability and quality of life, making it an attractive choice for families and individuals alike.