Cost of living in Lake Forest Park
Lake Forest Park, located in Washington State, offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and proximity to urban amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this city is crucial for potential residents and those considering relocation.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, 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 $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 $75, with prices ranging from $50 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5 to $9, imported beer $4 to $13, cappuccino $3 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.74 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $0.96.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.6 and $5.51, with an average price of $3.48.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $6.99, averaging $2.66.
- 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 $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.25 to $3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.05 and $1.34 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.6, with a cost of $1.68 to $1.86 per km and $30 to $75 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $34,500 and $45,000, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $25,000 to $32,000.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $1,400 and $2,104.17 monthly, averaging $1,965.10.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school ranges from $25,000 to $33,025, averaging $31,420.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $102.89 and $620, averaging $232.33.
- Internet - Internet services range from $60 to $150, with an average cost of $72.34.
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"
Lake Forest Park offers a moderate cost of living with dining and grocery prices that are relatively affordable compared to larger urban areas.
Transportation costs are manageable, especially for those who rely on public transport or own fuel-efficient vehicles.
Housing and education expenses can be significant, particularly for families with children attending private schools.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lake Forest Park provides a balanced lifestyle with a mix of affordability and quality living standards.
While some costs, such as housing and education, may be higher, the overall expenses are reasonable for those seeking a suburban environment close to urban amenities.