Cost of living in Paterson
Paterson, NJ, is a vibrant city with a diverse community and rich history. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering moving to or residing in the area.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, transportation, groceries, 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 $15 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 $80 to $250.
- 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 $11, imported beer $7 to $14, cappuccino $4 to $6.95, and Coke/Pepsi $1.5 to $2.99.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $1.25.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.1 and $4.73, 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 $6.61 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.09 to $3.5 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $5.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.86 and $1.29 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3.5, 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 $2500 to $3000, averaging $2750.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $1500.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3500 to $8000, averaging $5750.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $2700 to $3500, averaging $3100.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $90 and $300, averaging $164.87.
- Internet - Internet services range from $49.99 to $100, with an average cost of $67.21.
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
Rent Per Month
Rent Per Month
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"
Paterson offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Paterson are relatively moderate, with some variation in the cost of staple items like bread and eggs.
Transportation costs are reasonable, with public transport and fuel prices being competitive.
Housing in Paterson can be expensive, especially in the city centre, but more affordable options are available outside the centre.
Utilities and internet costs are in line with national averages, making them manageable for most residents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paterson, NJ, presents a mixed cost of living scenario with some areas being more expensive than others.
While dining and housing in the city centre can be costly, there are affordable options available, particularly in the suburbs.
Overall, Paterson offers a balanced lifestyle with reasonable transportation and utility costs, making it a viable option for many.