Cost of Living in Washington
Summary: If you are thinking about moving to Washington, here is an overview of the cost of living there.
Washington, is a small, affluent town in Litchfield County known for its picturesque countryside, historic architecture, and a high quality of life. The cost of living in Washington is significantly higher than the national average, primarily due to the upscale nature of the housing market and the premium services available in the area. Housing prices in Washington can vary widely, but they are generally steep. For 3-bedroom homes, prices typically start around $400,000 and can go well over $1 million, depending on the location, size, and amenities of the property. 4-bedroom homes are even pricier, with starting prices often above $500,000 and stretching into the multi-million dollar range for the most luxurious estates.
Apartment rentals in Washington are not as common as home ownership, but for the few available, a 1 or 2-bedroom apartment can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000 per month, depending on the location and quality of the unit. Apartment purchases are a rarity in this predominantly single-family home community, but condos and similar properties, when available, can range from $200,000 to $500,000 or more.
When it comes to dining out, Washington offers a range of restaurants from casual eateries to upscale dining experiences. A meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost between $15 and $30 per person, while a dinner at a high-end restaurant can easily exceed $50 per person, not including wine or drinks. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, can cost a household approximately $200 to $400 per month, depending on usage and the size of the home.
Private school tuition varies widely in Washington, CT. For preschool, annual tuition can range from $5,000 to $15,000. Elementary and middle schools can cost between $10,000 and $30,000 per year, while high school tuition can be even higher, sometimes exceeding $40,000 annually. These costs reflect the premium nature of private education in the area, which often boasts small class sizes, advanced curricula, and additional amenities and programs.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 3-Bedroom Home Purchase | $400,000 - $1,000,000+ |
| 4-Bedroom Home Purchase | $500,000 - Multi-million |
| Apartment Rental (1-2 Bedroom) | $1,500 - $3,000/month |
| Apartment Purchase | $200,000 - $500,000+ |
| Mid-Range Restaurant Meal | $15 - $30/person |
| High-End Restaurant Meal | $50+/person |
| Utilities (Monthly) | $200 - $400 |
| Private Preschool Tuition (Annual) | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| Private Elementary School Tuition (Annual) | $10,000 - $30,000 |
| Private Middle School Tuition (Annual) | $10,000 - $30,000 |
| Private High School Tuition (Annual) | $20,000 - $40,000+ |
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of BlueBurbia and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and BlueBurbia, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
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