Cost of living in Stafford
Stafford, located in Virginia, United States, offers a unique blend of suburban charm and proximity to major urban centers. Understanding the cost of living in Stafford is crucial for anyone considering relocating or planning their budget for the upcoming year.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, to help you make informed financial decisions.
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 $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $100, with prices ranging from $75 to $200.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $20.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $10, imported beer $8 to $12, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.71 and $2.01 per liter, averaging $1.12.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.62 and $6.61, with an average price of $3.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $6, averaging $4.04.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.57 to $8.8 per kg, while oranges range from $2.76 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.65 and $7 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.98 to $3.99 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.85 and $1.13 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.86 to $4.35 per km and $30 to $60 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $3200.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $2800.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $120 and $309.09, averaging $137.24.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $100, with an average cost of $66.4.
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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Salaries And Financing
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"Key Takeaways"
Stafford offers a moderate cost of living with relatively affordable dining and grocery prices compared to larger urban areas.
Housing costs can be significant, especially for larger apartments, but utilities and transportation remain manageable.
Potential residents should budget carefully for housing and consider the proximity to work or school to optimize transportation costs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Stafford, VA, presents a balanced cost of living with a mix of affordable and higher-priced options depending on lifestyle choices.
While housing can be a major expense, the overall cost of living remains reasonable, making it an attractive option for families and individuals seeking a suburban lifestyle with access to urban amenities.