Cost of Living in Ontario, CA (San Francisco, Vineyard: apartment, for rent, insurance)

[JackoLantern]

Greetings, I may be getting a job in Ontario and was wondering what the cost of living there is (roughly of course). Currently, I live in Iowa City, IA, and my living expenses are around $750 a month. That includes rent, utilities, food, and 'fun' money. From what I have read so far, it looks like I will see a 25% - 35% increase in Ontario for the same style of living I enjoy in Iowa City. Does this seem accurate?

I get by spending very little here, don't buy things I don't need, and don't go out every week. That said, the salary I will be receiving isn't very high, and I want to make sure I'm not going in over my head ($21,000).

I also have a question about public transportation. Will I need a car, or are there a sufficient number of bus routes? I am trying to wrap my head around the Omnitrans, but they seem pretty narrow in where they go. It looks like route 61 crosses very close to where my job would be, but I have no idea where I'll be living in relation to the other stops.

Thank you for your time.

P.S. Is there any area of Ontario I should try to stay away from if I can help it? I won't be able to afford much in rent, but I'd rather spend the extra money than end up in a bad part of town.

[115db]

I can only suggest stay north of B St and east of Benson, judging from my living there years ago. Cant tell you what its like now but I drove through my old neighourhood recently and it looks like its gone a bit downhill.

[Mel2882]

I'd say your living expenses are about to go up more than 35%. $750 for rent, utilities, and food is pretty much unheard of anywhere in California. I would expect to may more than that even for a studio apartment, and definitely for a one bedroom, not including utilities. I don't know what your job is, but $21,000 isn't much, especially if you have a degree. Yes, you will most likely need a car, and your insurance is probably going to cost you a bit more than in Iowa. Good luck with everything though!

[OutOfSoCal]

21K ? after taxes you'll bring home 15K TOPS a year thats only 1300 a month Approx. NOT A CHANCE you can live even somehwat comfortably. Stay where you are unless you can get double the salary. They aren't going to pay anyone here 21K unless its a fast food job.21K is about the lowest legal wage you can pay in Cali

[115db]

Originally Posted by Mel2882

I'd say your living expenses are about to go up more than 35%. $750 for rent, utilities, and food is pretty much unheard of anywhere in California. I would expect to may more than that even for a studio apartment, and definitely for a one bedroom, not including utilities. I don't know what your job is, but $21,000 isn't much, especially if you have a degree. Yes, you will most likely need a car, and your insurance is probably going to cost you a bit more than in Iowa. Good luck with everything though!

Heck, back in Az It cost me around 750 for rent AND utilities, where I came from!

[sgvkev]

I suggest living in the southeastern part (Creekside, Archibald Ranch). The general area between Benson and Vineyard is pretty bad, especially around the downtown area. The better areas of the city are all newer so that should give you a hint...

[ONTARIO IxE]

I would try and stay out of Southern Ontario where I have been living for 15 years its where most if not all Ontarios harder crime happens. Ontario is also home to a very large latino gang around 2,000 members.

[LinuxWiz83]

I wouldn't live there for anything and i am moving back to California soon but the nice thing about CA is you can save on gas by taking advantage of the bus and trolley systems.

[115db]

Originally Posted by ONTARIO IxE

I would try and stay out of Southern Ontario where I have been living for 15 years its where most if not all Ontarios harder crime happens. Ontario is also home to a very large latino gang around 2,000 members.

Yep. I wouldnt move back to Ontario. I lived there for 10 years and saw a lot of 'police action' during that time.

[Mel2882]

Originally Posted by LinuxWiz83

I wouldn't live there for anything and i am moving back to California soon but the nice thing about CA is you can save on gas by taking advantage of the bus and trolley systems.

Yeah, who needs a car in CA anyway?

Trolley system? Maybe in San Francisco.