Cost of living in Montclair
Montclair, NJ, is a vibrant township known for its cultural diversity and suburban charm. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for both current residents and those considering a move.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Montclair, including housing, dining, transportation, and more, to help you plan your budget effectively.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $17.5 on average, with a range between $10 and $55.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $120, with prices ranging from $70 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10, with a range between $7 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $8, imported beer $8 to $14, cappuccino $4 to $6.95, and Coke/Pepsi $2 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.12.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $11.02, with an average price of $3.92.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.29 to $9, averaging $3.85.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $1.65 to $11 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.09 to $5.3 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $1.6.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.86 and $1.29 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2.5, with a cost of $1.55 to $3.26 per km and $30 to $45 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $2000 to $2800, averaging $2266.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1500 to $1600, averaging $1550.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3200 to $4200, averaging $3766.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2200 to $3000, averaging $2700.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $90 and $200, averaging $170.
- Internet - Internet services range from $49.99 to $90, with an average cost of $61.32.
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
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"Key Takeaways"
Montclair offers a diverse range of dining options, from affordable fast food to upscale restaurants.
Grocery prices vary significantly, with some items like bread and cheese showing a wide price range.
Transportation costs are relatively low, with affordable public transport and competitive fuel prices.
Housing in Montclair can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but options outside the centre are more affordable.
Utilities and internet costs are moderate, aligning with national averages.
Conclusion
Montclair, NJ, presents a mixed cost of living landscape, with certain areas like dining and transportation being more affordable, while housing remains a significant expense.
Prospective residents should consider their priorities and budget accordingly, especially when it comes to housing and dining choices.