Cost of Living in Montclair, NJ - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,041 (excluding rent), and $2,920 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,993 (excluding rent), and $5,878 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.16 $17.16

$11.77 $11.77

$20.1 $20.1

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$99.8 $99.8

$69.8 $69.8

$120 $120

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.1 $12.1

$10.08 $10.08

$17.65 $17.65

Cappuccino

$5.85 $5.85

$3.96 $3.96

$6.93 $6.93

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.06 $3.06

$2.04 $2.04

$3.06 $3.06

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.55 $1.55

$1.48 $1.48

$3.94 $3.94

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.84 $7.84

$4.9 $4.9

$11.76 $11.76

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$11.97 $11.97

$6.98 $6.98

$11.97 $11.97

Milk (1 liter)

$1.31 $1.31

$0.8 $0.8

$2.68 $2.68

White Bread (500g)

$4.21 $4.21

$2.73 $2.73

$9.8 $9.8

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.6 $5.6

$1.53 $1.53

$13.11 $13.11

Eggs

$6.6 $6.6

$2.99 $2.99

$10.47 $10.47

Local Cheese (1kg)

$14.18 $14.18

$6.71 $6.71

$44.69 $44.69

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$10.38 $10.38

$6.67 $6.67

$24.47 $24.47

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$19.76 $19.76

$13.18 $13.18

$32.94 $32.94

Apples (1kg)

$5.59 $5.59

$2.13 $2.13

$10.85 $10.85

Banana (1kg)

$2.46 $2.46

$1.09 $1.09

$6.54 $6.54

Oranges (1kg)

$4.39 $4.39

$1.7 $1.7

$11.33 $11.33

Tomato (1kg)

$4.18 $4.18

$2.19 $2.19

$10.95 $10.95

Potato (1kg)

$3.06 $3.06

$1.1 $1.1

$8.84 $8.84

Onion (1kg)

$2.66 $2.66

$1.88 $1.88

$6.79 $6.79

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.87 $2.87

$1.54 $1.54

$5.45 $5.45

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.45 $2.45

$1.34 $1.34

$3.88 $3.88

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$17.45 $17.45

$13.96 $13.96

$20.94 $20.94

Wine (Bottle)

$15.21 $15.21

$11.15 $11.15

$25.35 $25.35

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.77 $1.77

$1.69 $1.69

$4.18 $4.18

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.69 $3.69

$1.95 $1.95

$6.82 $6.82

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.99 $1.99

$1.24 $1.24

$1.99 $1.99

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$2.97 $2.97

$7.93 $7.93

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$2.11 $2.11

$1.81 $1.81

$3.17 $3.17

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$42.55 $42.55

$30.39 $30.39

$45.59 $45.59

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.87 $0.87

$0.75 $0.75

$1.14 $1.14

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$23.7K $23.7K

$36.5K $36.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.1K $25.1K

$25K $25K

$38.5K $38.5K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$181 $181

$89.9 $89.9

$300 $300

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$53.5 $53.5

$29.99 $29.99

$100 $100

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$62.2 $62.2

$50.7 $50.7

$101 $101

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$42.75 $42.75

$17.4 $17.4

$49.71 $49.71

Cinema Ticket

$19.65 $19.65

$15.72 $15.72

$24.56 $24.56

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,781 $1,781

$1,526 $1,526

$4,240 $4,240

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$16.2K $16.2K

$65.7K $65.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$66.2 $66.2

$19.76 $19.76

$69.2 $69.2

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$47.38 $47.38

$24.65 $24.65

$78.9 $78.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$101 $101

$70.6 $70.6

$101 $101

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$121 $121

$80.8 $80.8

$126 $126

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,308 $2,308

$2,036 $2,036

$2,851 $2,851

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,567 $1,567

$1,516 $1,516

$1,617 $1,617

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,793 $3,793

$3,223 $3,223

$4,230 $4,230

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,699 $2,699

$2,199 $2,199

$2,999 $2,999

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.44

7.15

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: December 2, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Montclair, NJ - Frequently Asked Questions

Montclair offers a balanced mix of urban access and village charm, appealing to travelers, expats, and digital nomads who want quality without constant city bustle. You’ll find diverse housing styles, from compact apartments to larger homes, and a walkable downtown with shops, cafés, and cultural amenities. Transit to New York City is convenient, while local services stay active year-round. In terms of value, Cost of Living in Montclair, NJ, United States tends to favor livability and access over ultra-cheap housing. Tip: test a few neighborhoods on weekends to gauge value against your priorities.

Daily life in Montclair blends walkable neighborhoods with a robust local scene. For housing search, start with several adjacent towns to compare options and keep flexibility in mind; rentals range from vintage walk-ups to modern apartments, often near train lines or village centers. Groceries and dining offer quality without extreme luxury, and farmers' markets bring seasonal choices. Transport options include train, bus, bike lanes, and car sharing, with easy access to highways for weekend trips. Montclair, NJ, United States living cost gives a rough sense of balance between comfort and prices. Tip: map out a weekly errand loop to minimize trips.

Quality of life here hinges on purposeful budgeting and neighborhood fit. Frame your finances with a simple balance: housing near transit, groceries from local markets, and occasional dining out or coworking. In warmer months, outdoor spaces, street fairs, and farmers' markets expand your free or low-cost options. Consider neighborhood rhythms – downtown hotspots stay busy, while hillside pockets offer calmer living. For savings, leverage seasonal passes for events, buy in advance for rail trips, and share workspace at libraries or community centers. Seasonal shifts can affect energy needs, so plan accordingly. Tip: start with a flexible weekly plan that accommodates both work needs and leisure.