Cost of living in Ridgewood
Ridgewood, NJ, is a charming suburban community known for its excellent schools and vibrant downtown area. Understanding the cost of living in Ridgewood is crucial for potential residents and those considering relocation.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses, including housing, dining, transportation, 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 $18 on average, with a range between $15 and $30.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $78.5, with prices ranging from $45 to $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $12, with a range between $10 and $23.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $5.75 to $10, imported beer $5 to $10, cappuccino $3 to $7, and Coke/Pepsi $2.5 to $3.5.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.79 and $3.17 per liter, averaging $1.42.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.2 and $7.17, with an average price of $4.41.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2 to $6, averaging $3.5.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.98 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $11 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $2.18 and $8.8 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.75 to $3.29 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (Monthly Pass) - A monthly pass for local transport is priced at $40.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.89 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.24 to $3.11 per km and $42 to $70 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages $3000.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent also averages $3000.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $3000 to $5500, averaging $4250.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent averages $5500.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $100 and $237.88, averaging $151.74.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $100, with an average cost of $69.38.
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.
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"Key Takeaways"
Ridgewood, NJ, presents a relatively high cost of living, particularly in housing, with average rents for 1-bedroom apartments around $3000.
Dining out can be expensive, especially at mid-range restaurants, while grocery prices vary widely.
Transportation costs are moderate, with affordable public transport options and competitive fuel prices.
Utilities and internet services are reasonably priced, but potential residents should budget carefully for housing and dining expenses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ridgewood, NJ, offers a high-quality suburban lifestyle with a cost of living that reflects its desirability and amenities.
Prospective residents should be prepared for significant housing expenses and consider budgeting strategies to manage dining and grocery costs effectively.
Overall, Ridgewood provides a vibrant community atmosphere, making it a worthwhile consideration for those seeking a suburban lifestyle near New York City.