Cost of living in Berkeley Heights
Berkeley Heights, located in New Jersey, offers a unique blend of suburban charm and proximity to urban amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this area is crucial for potential residents and those considering relocation.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Berkeley Heights, covering dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities, to help you make informed financial decisions.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $20 on average, with a range between $15 and $35.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $50 to $140.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $15, with a range between $10 and $17.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $10, imported beer $8 to $10, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.99 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $1.31 per liter, averaging $1.08.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $5.51, with an average price of $4.04.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.99 to $5, averaging $4.23.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $4.41 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $3.31 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.07 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.07 to $4 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $4, with a cost of $1.86 to $3 per km and $42 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs $30,000, while a Toyota Corolla is priced between $25,000 and $30,000.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $800 and $2000 per month, averaging $1366.67.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $150 and $300, averaging $180.
- Internet - Internet services range from $29 to $100, with an average cost of $57.33.
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
Restaurants
Restaurants
Markets
Markets
Transportation
Transportation
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
Clothing And Shoes
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Berkeley Heights presents a moderate cost of living with dining and grocery prices reflecting typical suburban rates.
Housing and childcare costs are significant, suggesting a need for careful budgeting for families.
Transportation costs are manageable, with competitive fuel prices and reasonable taxi fares.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Berkeley Heights offers a balanced cost of living with a mix of suburban tranquility and access to urban conveniences.
While housing and childcare can be costly, the overall expenses are in line with the quality of life offered in this New Jersey town.
Prospective residents should consider these factors when planning their move to ensure a comfortable and financially sustainable lifestyle.