Cost of living in Portage
Portage, MI, is a vibrant city in the United States known for its community spirit and quality of life. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for residents and newcomers alike.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Portage, covering everything 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 $20 on average, with a range between $18 and $38.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $60 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11.42, with a range between $10 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $10, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.45 per liter, averaging $1.01.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.76 and $6.61, with an average price of $4.16.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.99 to $6, averaging $3.75.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.92 and $1.32 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.25, with a cost of $1.4 to $3.11 per km and $25 to $40 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $25,000 and $37,383.69, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $25,000 to $28,000.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $2,000 and $3,000 monthly, averaging $2,550.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school ranges from $36,000 to $45,450, averaging $42,300.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $101.66 and $295, averaging $165.59.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $100, with an average cost of $61.8.
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"
Portage, MI, offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable prices for dining and groceries.
Housing and education costs can be significant, especially for private schooling.
Transportation costs are manageable, with affordable fuel prices and varied options for car purchases.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Portage, MI, presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for families and individuals.
While some expenses like education and housing can be high, the overall affordability in dining and transportation provides a comfortable living environment.