Cost of living in West Plains
West Plains, located in Missouri, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a budget.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of 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 $20 on average, with a range between $15 and $28.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $50 to $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.75, with a range between $10 and $11.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $7, imported beer $5 to $8, cappuccino $3.5 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.83 and $1.19 per liter, averaging $0.99.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.09 and $3.99, with an average price of $3.36.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.89 to $3, averaging $2.83.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $13.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.65 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.19 to $2 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.7 and $0.85 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.24 to $1.5 per km and $24 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $25,000 and $30,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $24,700 to $27,000.
Housing Costs
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $650.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $180 and $450, averaging $276.4.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $86, with an average cost of $65.76.
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"
West Plains offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of housing and dining.
Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being quite reasonable.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like fruits and vegetables showing a wide price range.
Conclusion
In conclusion, West Plains, MO, presents a cost-effective living environment with reasonable expenses across various categories.
Whether you're planning to move or just budgeting for a visit, understanding these costs can help you manage your finances effectively.