Cost of living in Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island, located in Washington State, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and small-town charm. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning a visit.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $25.5 on average, with a range between $18 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $110, with prices ranging from $80 to $200.
- 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 $8 to $12, imported beer is consistently $12, cappuccino $4.5 to $10, and Coke/Pepsi $3 to $7.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.97 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.06.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.64 and $5.51, with an average price of $3.89.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.99 to $7.4, averaging $4.4.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.56 to $6.61 per kg, while oranges range from $2.93 to $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced at $2.42 per kg, and lettuce costs $2.5 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $1.1 and $1.31 per liter.
- Car Purchase (e.g., Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Corolla) - A Volkswagen Golf costs $36,656.56, while a Toyota Corolla is priced between $25,049 and $26,826.04.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $1,680 and $2,500 monthly, averaging $2,170.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school is consistently $30,000.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $147.83 and $212.5, averaging $168.71.
- Internet - Internet services range from $50 to $75, with an average cost of $64.17.
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"
Whidbey Island presents a moderate to high cost of living, with dining and housing being significant expenses.
Grocery prices are relatively stable, but transportation costs can vary, especially with fuel prices.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, contributing to overall monthly expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Whidbey Island offers a picturesque living environment with a cost of living that reflects its desirability.
While some expenses like dining and housing are on the higher side, careful budgeting can help manage costs effectively.
Potential residents should consider these factors when planning a move to this charming island.