Cost of living in Scotch Plains
Scotch Plains, located in New Jersey, offers a unique blend of suburban charm and accessibility to urban amenities. Understanding the cost of living in this area is crucial for potential residents and those considering relocation.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of expenses in Scotch Plains, covering essential categories such as dining, groceries, transportation, housing, and utilities.
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 $35.
- 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 $150.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $10.5, with a range between $10 and $17.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $4.5 to $10, imported beer $8 to $12, cappuccino $3 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.99 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.82 and $1.74 per liter, averaging $1.08.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $2.19 and $8, with an average price of $4.04.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $2.19 to $6.98, averaging $4.23.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2 to $11.02 per kg, while oranges range from $2 to $8.82 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.07 and $4.41 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.07 to $4.99 per head.
Transportation
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.82 and $1.06 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $3, with a cost of $1.86 to $3 per km and $24 to $42 per hour of waiting.
- Car Purchase - A new Volkswagen Golf costs around $30,000, while a Toyota Corolla is priced between $25,000 and $30,000.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is not specified, but nearby areas suggest a range from $1,500 to $2,500.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent is estimated to range from $1,200 to $2,000.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre is not specified, but nearby areas suggest a range from $2,500 to $4,000.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent is estimated to range from $2,000 to $3,500.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $85 and $300, averaging $118.73.
- 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"
Scotch Plains offers a moderate cost of living with dining and grocery prices reflecting typical suburban rates.
Housing costs can vary significantly depending on proximity to the city centre, with utilities and internet services being relatively affordable.
Transportation costs are manageable, especially for those who own a vehicle, given the reasonable fuel prices.
Conclusion
Overall, Scotch Plains presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking suburban life with access to urban amenities.
Potential residents should consider housing location carefully to optimize their budget, and take advantage of the competitive prices in dining and transportation.