Cost of living in Olympia
Olympia, the capital city of Washington State, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. Understanding the cost of living in Olympia is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this vibrant city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect, from dining and groceries to housing and transportation, helping you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $19 on average, with a range between $12 and $38.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $72.5, with prices ranging from $60 to $144.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $9.5 and $13.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $10, imported beer $5 to $12, cappuccino $3.75 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.84 and $1.45 per liter, averaging $1.05.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.74 and $7.71, with an average price of $3.71.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.64 to $5.99, averaging $3.41.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $1.1 to $13.23 per kg, while oranges range from $2.14 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.57 and $5.49 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $3.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $0 and $2.5, with a monthly pass priced up to $153.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.92 and $1.29 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.8, with a cost of $1.74 to $3.11 per km and $30 to $52.5 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1500 to $2000, averaging $1728.33.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $1800, averaging $1568.75.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2485 to $4500, averaging $2946.25.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2200 to $2500, averaging $2329.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $3014 to $3229.17, averaging $3121.59.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2411.12 to $3014, averaging $2712.56.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $70 and $380, averaging $156.38.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $100, with an average cost of $65.56.
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"
Olympia offers a moderate cost of living with relatively affordable housing compared to larger cities. Dining out can vary widely in cost, providing options for both budget-friendly and upscale experiences.
Transportation costs are low, especially for public transport, making it an economical choice for commuting. Grocery prices are reasonable, though some items like fresh produce can be more expensive.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to a balanced monthly expense profile for residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Olympia presents a balanced cost of living that caters to a variety of lifestyles. With affordable housing options and reasonable transportation costs, it is an attractive location for both individuals and families.
While dining and grocery costs can vary, the overall expenses remain manageable, making Olympia a desirable place to live for those seeking a blend of urban and natural environments.