Cost of living in Plainsboro
Plainsboro, NJ, is a vibrant community known for its suburban charm and proximity to major urban centers. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning their budget.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Plainsboro, covering everything from dining and groceries to transportation and housing.
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 $55.
- 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 $250.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $17.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $6 to $11, imported beer $8 to $14, cappuccino $4 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.99 to $5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.92 and $2.11 per liter, averaging $1.08.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $11.02, with an average price of $4.04.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.29 to $9, averaging $4.23.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.2 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $11 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.07 and $6.61 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.07 to $5.3 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 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.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs between $25,000 and $36,344.69, while a Toyota Corolla ranges from $25,000 to $38,999.
Housing Costs
- Preschool (or Kindergarten), Full Day, Private, Monthly for 1 Child - The cost for private preschool is between $800 and $4500 monthly, averaging $1366.67.
- International Primary School, Yearly for 1 Child - Yearly tuition for international primary school ranges from $50,000 to $65,000, averaging $59,000.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $300, averaging $178.19.
- 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
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"Key Takeaways"
Plainsboro offers a diverse range of dining options, with prices varying significantly based on the type of restaurant.
Grocery prices in Plainsboro can be quite high, especially for items like bread and cheese.
Transportation costs are moderate, with gasoline prices being relatively low compared to urban centers.
Housing and education costs are significant, particularly for private schooling options.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, offering good value for residents.
Conclusion
The cost of living in Plainsboro, NJ, reflects its suburban appeal and proximity to larger cities. While some expenses, such as dining and groceries, can be high, transportation and utilities remain affordable.
Prospective residents should consider the high costs of housing and education when planning their budget. Overall, Plainsboro offers a balanced lifestyle with a mix of affordability and quality amenities.