Cost of living in Federal Way
Federal Way, located in Washington State, offers a unique blend of suburban living with access to urban amenities. 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 expenses in Federal Way, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $30 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 $72.5, with prices ranging from $65 to $90.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $14.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $9, imported beer $4 to $9, cappuccino $3 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.07.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.6 and $4.96, with an average price of $4.27.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.64 to $6.99, averaging $3.41.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.1 to $13.23 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 $2.5.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.97 and $1.29 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.6, with a cost of $1.68 to $3.11 per km and $30 to $75 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment outside the centre averages $1900.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $70 and $300, averaging $156.38.
- Internet - Internet services range from $55 to $100, with an average cost of $79.44.
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"
Federal Way presents a moderate cost of living with dining and grocery prices reflecting typical suburban rates.
Housing costs are relatively high, especially for larger apartments, but utilities and transportation remain affordable.
Potential residents should budget carefully for dining and housing, while taking advantage of affordable public transport options.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Federal Way offers a balanced cost of living with some areas of higher expense, particularly in housing.
For those considering a move, understanding these costs can help in planning a budget that accommodates both essential and leisure activities.