Cost of living in Urbandale
Urbandale, located in Iowa, is a city that offers a blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning their budget.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, 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 $15 on average, with a range between $11.5 and $45.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $50 to $113.36.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9.98, with a range between $9 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.5 to $8, imported beer $5 to $8.68, cappuccino $3 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $1.25 to $3.09.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.66 and $1.45 per liter, averaging $1.03.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.74 and $6.61, with an average price of $3.3.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $5.29, averaging $2.09.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.54 to $5.51 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.65 and $3.95 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.75.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.71 and $0.9 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.3 to $3.11 per km and $20 to $22 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $993.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1030.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $139.91 and $300, averaging $139.91.
- Internet - Internet services range from $25 to $70, with an average cost of $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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Urbandale offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger urban areas, with moderate prices in dining and housing.
Transportation costs are low, making it easy to navigate the city without a significant financial burden.
Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like imported goods and certain fruits can be more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Urbandale presents a balanced cost of living that can appeal to both families and individuals seeking a suburban lifestyle with urban amenities.
While some costs, such as dining out at upscale restaurants, can be higher, overall expenses remain manageable, making it an attractive option for many.