Cost of living in St. Cloud
St. Cloud, located in Minnesota, is a vibrant city known for its community spirit and scenic beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in St. Cloud, 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 $13 on average, with a range between $9 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $50, with prices ranging from $45 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $11, with a range between $10 and $11.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $3.5 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $0.79.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.08 and $4.96, with an average price of $2.76.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.99 to $12, averaging $2.25.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.86 to $19.84 per kg, while oranges range from $3.31 to $17.64 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.77 and $8.82 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.89 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.75 and $0.9 per liter.
- Car Purchase (e.g., Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla) - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $35,362.95 and $40,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $24,233 to $26,400.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is fixed at $1,240 per month.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $88.1 and $320.47, averaging $159.44.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $80, with an average cost of $50.
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"
St. Cloud offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to larger metropolitan areas. Dining out is reasonably priced, with a variety of options available.
Grocery prices are moderate, though some items like eggs and fruits can vary significantly in price.
Transportation costs are manageable, especially for those who own a vehicle, given the competitive gasoline prices.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to the overall affordability of living in St. Cloud.
Conclusion
In conclusion, St. Cloud, MN, presents a balanced cost of living that is attractive for families and individuals alike. The city offers affordable dining, moderate grocery prices, and reasonable transportation and utility costs.
For those considering a move to St. Cloud, the city provides a welcoming environment with a cost structure that supports a comfortable lifestyle.