Cost of living in Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge, located in Iowa, is a city that offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning to budget effectively.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Fort Dodge, from dining and groceries to transportation and housing.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $8 on average, with a range between $8 and $32.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $60 to $220.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8, with a range between $8 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $6, imported beer $4.5 to $8, cappuccino $2.75 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $5.99.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.73 and $1.52 per liter, averaging $0.97.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $4.96, with an average price of $3.46.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.9 to $3.99, averaging $3.28.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.73 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.62 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.77 and $3.17 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 and $0.95 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.95, with a cost of $1.37 to $3.11 per km and $25.12 to $35 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $30,000 and $40,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $24,293 to $30,000.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool ranges from $570 to $1,000 monthly, averaging $823.33.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school ranges from $4,347 to $45,000, averaging $24,673.50.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $175 and $425, averaging $307.64.
- Internet - Internet services range from $55 to $100, with an average cost of $66.11.
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"
Fort Dodge offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger urban areas. Dining out can be economical, especially at casual restaurants.
Grocery prices are reasonable, with essentials like milk and bread being quite affordable. Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being competitive.
Housing and utility costs are manageable, making Fort Dodge an attractive option for families and individuals looking for a balanced lifestyle.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Fort Dodge, IA, presents a cost-effective living environment with a mix of affordable dining, reasonable grocery prices, and manageable housing costs.
Whether you're planning to move or just budgeting for a visit, understanding these costs can help you make informed financial decisions.