Cost of living in Kelso
Kelso, located in Washington State, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and accessibility to larger urban areas. Understanding the cost of living in Kelso is crucial for potential residents and those considering relocation.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Kelso, 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 $35 on average, with a range between $15 and $60.
- 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 $100.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.28, with a range between $10 and $10.29.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.5 to $11, imported beer $5 to $9.5, cappuccino $3 to $7.5, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.58 per liter, averaging $1.19.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.92 and $6.61, with an average price of $4.58.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.09 to $6.99, averaging $4.38.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $3.31 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.18 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.32 and $1.74 per kg, and lettuce costs $2 to $3.99 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.98 and $1.21 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $1, with a cost of $1.24 per km.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Data not available for city centre rent prices.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Data not available for outside centre rent prices.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $133.73 and $533.71, averaging $188.39.
- Internet - Internet services range from $75 to $100, with an average cost of $88.33.
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"
Kelso offers a moderate cost of living with dining and grocery prices reflecting typical small-town rates.
Transportation costs are relatively low, especially for gasoline, making it affordable for car owners.
Utility costs can vary significantly, so budgeting for higher expenses is advisable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kelso, WA, presents a balanced cost of living that is appealing for those seeking a small-town atmosphere with access to essential amenities.
While some costs, such as dining, may be higher than expected, transportation and utilities offer potential savings. Prospective residents should consider these factors when planning their move to Kelso.