Cost of living in Ottumwa
Ottumwa, located in Iowa, United States, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and affordability. Understanding the cost of living in Ottumwa is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, 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 $20 on average, with a range between $14.5 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $57.5, with prices ranging from $50 to $65.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $8, with a consistent price across the board.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic and imported beers are priced at $5, cappuccino ranges from $3.7 to $6, and Coke/Pepsi costs between $2.19 and $2.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.59 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.04.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.65 and $4.18, with an average price of $2.75.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $3.5, averaging $2.3.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples are priced at $4.17 per kg, while oranges range from $4.41 to $5.47 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $3.73 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.99 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.03 per liter, averaging $0.95.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4.53, with a cost of $2.64 to $3.11 per km and $15 to $20 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not available for city centre rent prices.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not available for outside centre rent prices.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - Data not available for buying prices in the city centre.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Data not available for buying prices outside the centre.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $165 and $300, averaging $212.25.
- Internet - Internet services range from $52 to $100, with an average cost of $70.5.
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"
Ottumwa offers a relatively affordable cost of living, particularly in dining and grocery expenses.
Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being quite reasonable.
While specific housing data is unavailable, utility costs are manageable, making Ottumwa a potentially cost-effective place to live.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ottumwa, IA, presents a cost of living that is generally affordable, especially in terms of dining and groceries.
While housing data is limited, the available information suggests that living expenses are reasonable, making it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between cost and quality of life.