Cost of living in Taos
Taos, located in the scenic state of New Mexico, offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Understanding the cost of living in Taos is crucial for anyone considering moving to or visiting this charming town.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $18 on average, with a range between $10 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $65 to $113.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $8.99 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $7, imported beer $5 to $9, cappuccino $4 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.74 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.02.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2 and $5.51, with an average price of $2.7.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.79 to $5, averaging $3.24.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $6.61 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 $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.1 to $2.5 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.76 and $1.14 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 ranges from $1400 to $2000, averaging $1666.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $1650, averaging $1583.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2600 to $4500, averaging $3466.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2400 to $3500, averaging $3033.33.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3606 to $6458.35, averaging $5032.17.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $3606 to $6458.35, averaging $5032.17.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $108.18 and $274.48, averaging $169.39.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $120, with an average cost of $79.08.
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"
Taos offers a moderate cost of living with relatively affordable dining and grocery prices compared to larger cities.
Housing costs can be significant, especially for larger apartments in the city centre, but options outside the centre are more affordable.
Transportation costs are manageable, with reasonable fuel prices and taxi fares, making it easier to navigate the town.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Taos, NM, presents a balanced cost of living that combines affordable dining and grocery options with moderate housing expenses.
While housing in the city centre can be pricey, exploring options outside the centre can offer more budget-friendly alternatives.
Overall, Taos is an attractive option for those seeking a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty without the high costs associated with larger urban areas.