Cost of living in Albert Lea
Albert Lea, located in Minnesota, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this city 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 $17 on average, with a range between $15 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $90, with prices ranging from $75 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $6, imported beer $4 to $8, cappuccino $3 to $10, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $6.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.28 per liter, averaging $1.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $3.63, with an average price of $2.52.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $4.75, averaging $3.33.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.7 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $3.28 to $3.97 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $2.18 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.49 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.74 and $0.89 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2, with a cost of $1.24 per km and $20 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $26,000 and $35,699.74, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $23,500 to $25,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not available.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not available.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not available.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not available.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - Data not available.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Data not available.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $127.5 and $160, averaging $144.82.
- Internet - Internet services range from $60 to $100, with an average cost of $75.83.
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
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Albert Lea offers a moderate cost of living with affordable dining options and reasonable grocery prices.
Transportation costs are relatively low, especially for gasoline, making it an economical choice for car owners.
While specific housing data is unavailable, utility costs are manageable, and internet services are competitively priced.
Conclusion
Albert Lea, MN, presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordability without sacrificing quality of life.
Potential residents should consider the reasonable dining and transportation costs, while also exploring housing options to ensure they meet their budgetary needs.