Cost of living in Altoona
Altoona, located in Pennsylvania, is a city known for its rich railroad history and vibrant community life. Understanding the cost of living in Altoona is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move to the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the various expenses you can expect, 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 $12.36 and $25.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $77.5, with prices ranging from $50 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $10 and $12.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3.5 to $7.5, imported beer $5 to $8, cappuccino $4 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.74 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.08.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.65 and $7.17, with an average price of $3.78.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.5 to $5.99, averaging $3.89.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $13.23 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.98 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $2.8 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.03 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1.8, with a cost of $1.37 to $1.99 per km and $24 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $25,300 and $35,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $25,000 to $28,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment outside the city centre is not specified in the data provided.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $91.49 and $275, averaging $171.76.
- Internet - Internet services range from $45 to $120, with an average cost of $82.57.
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"
Altoona offers a moderate cost of living with affordable dining options and reasonable grocery prices.
Transportation costs are relatively low, especially for gasoline, making it easier for residents to commute.
While specific housing costs are not detailed, utility expenses are manageable, contributing to an overall balanced cost of living.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Altoona, PA, presents a cost of living that is generally affordable, with particular strengths in dining and transportation costs.
Potential residents can expect to find a community with reasonable expenses, although further research into housing specifics may be necessary for a complete financial picture.