Cost of living in Bellingham
Bellingham, located in Washington State, offers a unique blend of urban and natural attractions. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for potential residents and those planning to relocate.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Bellingham, covering essential categories such as housing, dining, transportation, and more.
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 $90, with prices ranging from $60 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $13.21, with a range between $10 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $8, imported beer $4 to $13, cappuccino $3 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.66 and $1.59 per liter, averaging $1.1.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $8.27, with an average price of $4.27.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $6.99, averaging $4.65.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.84 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.21 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.25 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1, with a monthly pass priced at $30.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.05 and $1.32 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.6, with a cost of $1.68 per km and $30 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 $1800, averaging $1613.14.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1100 to $1500, averaging $1345.63.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2800 to $3200, averaging $2970.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2400 to $2700, averaging $2456.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre averages $3918.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter also averages $3918.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $140 and $500, averaging $218.08.
- Internet - Internet services range from $60 to $150, with an average cost of $70.
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"
Bellingham offers a moderate cost of living with reasonable housing and transportation costs. Dining out can be pricey, especially at mid-range restaurants.
Grocery prices vary, with some items like bread and cheese being more expensive. Utilities and internet costs are relatively standard.
Potential residents should budget carefully for dining and housing, while taking advantage of affordable public transportation options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bellingham, WA, presents a balanced cost of living with affordable transportation and moderate housing expenses.
While dining and some grocery items can be costly, the overall expenses are manageable for those earning an average salary.
Prospective residents should consider their lifestyle preferences and budget accordingly to make the most of living in this vibrant city.