Cost of living in Wakefield
Wakefield, located in Massachusetts, offers a unique blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. Understanding the cost of living in Wakefield is crucial for potential residents and those considering relocation.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, 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 $21 on average, with a range between $15 and $50.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $110, with prices ranging from $70 to $200.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $12, imported beer $6 to $13, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.7 and $4 per liter, averaging $1.33.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $0.98 and $7, with an average price of $3.46.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.07 to $8, averaging $4.4.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.6 to $13.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.76 and $7.72 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.69 to $4.5 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.6, with a cost of $1.74 to $3.73 per km and $28 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $30,000 and $36,036.53, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $23,000 to $26,372.29.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is $1,950 per month.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school ranges from $10,000 to $35,000, averaging $25,833.33.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $122.78 and $303.57, averaging $200.87.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $100, with an average cost of $72.31.
- Mobile Phone Plan - A mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data costs between $30 and $80, averaging $58.
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"
Wakefield presents a moderate cost of living with higher expenses in dining and education.
Housing and utility costs are relatively stable, while transportation offers a range of options from public transit to car ownership.
Grocery prices vary widely, offering opportunities for budget-conscious shopping.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wakefield, MA, offers a balanced cost of living with a mix of suburban and urban amenities.
While dining and education can be on the higher side, careful budgeting in groceries and transportation can help manage overall expenses.
Potential residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and financial priorities when evaluating Wakefield as a place to live.