Cost of living in Jersey City
Jersey City, located in New Jersey, is a vibrant urban area known for its proximity to New York City and its diverse community. Understanding the cost of living in Jersey City is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in this bustling city.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of various expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, and more, 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 $13 and $40.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $80, with prices ranging from $60 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $8 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4 to $10, imported beer $6 to $12, cappuccino $2.49 to $9, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $4.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.82 and $1.74 per liter, averaging $1.32.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $8, with an average price of $3.81.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.19 to $6.98, averaging $3.99.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2 to $8.82 per kg, while oranges range from $1.65 to $13.21 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $0.66 and $5.49 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $4.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs between $2.25 and $3, with a monthly pass priced between $70 and $200.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.05 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.85, with a cost of $2.05 per km and $22 to $32 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2500 to $4000, averaging $3204.17.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2000 to $2700, averaging $2275.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3500 to $7500, averaging $5833.33.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2600 to $4000, averaging $3533.33.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $5683 to $10763.91, averaging $7993.88.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $5381.96 to $6060.08, averaging $5702.01.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $85 and $425, averaging $118.73.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $120, 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
Restaurants
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Transportation
Transportation
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
Utilities (Monthly)
Utilities (Monthly)
Sports And Leisure
Sports And Leisure
Clothing And Shoes
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Buy Apartment Price
Buy Apartment Price
Salaries And Financing
Salaries And Financing
Childcare
Childcare
"Key Takeaways"
Jersey City offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Jersey City can be high, particularly for fresh produce and dairy products.
Transportation costs are moderate, with public transport and fuel prices being relatively affordable.
Housing is one of the most significant expenses in Jersey City, with high rental and purchase prices, especially in the city centre.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, but costs can vary widely depending on usage and provider.
Conclusion
Jersey City presents a dynamic living environment with a cost of living that reflects its urban setting and proximity to New York City.
While housing costs are notably high, especially in the city centre, other expenses such as transportation and utilities are more manageable.
Prospective residents should carefully consider their budget and lifestyle preferences when planning a move to Jersey City.