Cost of living in Los Alamos
Los Alamos, located in New Mexico, is known for its scientific community and beautiful landscapes. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for potential residents and those planning to relocate.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, dining, groceries, and transportation, to help you make informed decisions about living in Los Alamos.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $17.5 on average, with a range between $10 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $60, with prices ranging from $40 to $113.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $8.99 and $20.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $8, imported beer $5 to $9, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.74 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $0.92.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2 and $4.41, with an average price of $2.2.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.79 to $5, averaging $2.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $7.25 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $3.09 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.1 to $7 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - Public transport options are limited, with no cost data available for one-way tickets or monthly passes.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 and $1.05 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.8 to $2.02 per km and $29 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1100.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $1900.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3326.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $3326.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $130 and $274.48, averaging $150.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $120, with an average cost of $78.33.
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.
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"Key Takeaways"
Los Alamos offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable housing prices, especially for those looking to rent.
Dining out can be affordable, with a variety of options ranging from casual to mid-range restaurants.
Transportation costs are minimal due to limited public transport options, but gasoline prices are competitive.
Grocery prices are generally reasonable, though some items like local cheese and beef can be more expensive.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Los Alamos presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a blend of affordability and quality of life.
Potential residents should consider the limited public transport options and plan accordingly, especially if commuting is a factor.
Overall, Los Alamos offers a unique living experience with its scientific community and natural beauty, complemented by a manageable cost of living.