An Overview of Cost of Living in Altus, OK
Getting a feel for the cost of living in Altus is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Altus is 82, which is 18% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
Altus housing costs are 43.1% less than the national average, making this area an affordable place to live. Your net income can be heavily impacted by housing expenses, at times exceeding 30%. Fortunately, this area demonstrates that both homeownership and renting costs are significantly more budget-friendly than in the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, Altus residents can earmark a more manageable portion of their income to housing.
What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Altus?
The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 7 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Altus. The feedback revealed that 43% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 57% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.
Is Altus Affordable?
Is Altus affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Altus, the median home price is 51.7% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 22.9% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Altus boasting a median household income of $47,990, 13.3% lower than the national average.
What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Altus?
Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Altus, the groceries index registers 5.4% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Altus comes in at 2.1% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Altus, healthcare costs are 2.8% lower than the national average.
Where is the Data From?
The cost of living in Altus, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.