Last update: Oct 2026 United States 68K

Cost of Living in Passaic, NJ

For one person, living costs in Passaic, NJ are estimated at $2,737 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $42 a day.

Monthly Cost of Living

How much you'll spend in Passaic, NJ

Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Passaic, NJ actually costs, broken down by who's living it.

Living costs for one person come to about $2,737 monthly including rent, or $1,268 excluding housing.

$2,737 /mo

Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $4,186 with rent, or $2,163 without housing.

$4,186 /mo

Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,634 including rent, or $3,058 for daily expenses alone.

$5,634 /mo
Currency
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🍽 Eating Out
Cost
Range
Meal at Budget Restaurant
$18.76 $18.76
$14.81 $14.81
$20.24 $20.24
Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range
$79.1 $79.1
$54.4 $54.4
$198 $198
Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)
$13.18 $13.18
$12.17 $12.17
$14.19 $14.19
Cappuccino
$6.27 $6.27
$4.48 $4.48
$11.94 $11.94
Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)
$2.53 $2.53
$2.03 $2.03
$2.78 $2.78
Water (0.33 liter bottle)
$1.52 $1.52
$1.52 $1.52
$2.03 $2.03
Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)
$7.87 $7.87
$5.90 $5.90
$11.80 $11.80
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$7.16 $7.16
$5.11 $5.11
$12.27 $12.27
🛒 Groceries & Markets
Cost
Range
Milk (1 liter)
$1.32 $1.32
$0.81 $0.81
$1.90 $1.90
White Bread (500g)
$4.36 $4.36
$3.20 $3.20
$6.41 $6.41
Rice (white) (1kg)
$6.22 $6.22
$2.92 $2.92
$20.54 $20.54
Eggs
$6.20 $6.20
$3.08 $3.08
$9.25 $9.25
Local Cheese (1kg)
$19.19 $19.19
$12.93 $12.93
$24.55 $24.55
Chicken Fillets (1kg)
$10.40 $10.40
$6.69 $6.69
$15.61 $15.61
Beef Round Steak (1kg)
$18.83 $18.83
$11.07 $11.07
$24.34 $24.34
Apples (1kg)
$6.11 $6.11
$2.20 $2.20
$6.68 $6.68
Banana (1kg)
$2.14 $2.14
$1.71 $1.71
$4.28 $4.28
Oranges (1kg)
$4.39 $4.39
$2.26 $2.26
$6.80 $6.80
Tomato (1kg)
$5.36 $5.36
$3.31 $3.31
$8.88 $8.88
Potato (1kg)
$4.06 $4.06
$2.20 $2.20
$4.45 $4.45
Onion (1kg)
$4.34 $4.34
$2.17 $2.17
$4.34 $4.34
Lettuce (1 head)
$3.06 $3.06
$1.53 $1.53
$3.57 $3.57
Water (1.5 liter bottle)
$2.93 $2.93
$1.96 $1.96
$3.42 $3.42
Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)
$14.77 $14.77
$14.77 $14.77
$19.93 $19.93
Wine (Bottle)
$15.19 $15.19
$11.14 $11.14
$20.25 $20.25
Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)
$1.79 $1.79
$1.72 $1.72
$4.25 $4.25
Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)
$3.64 $3.64
$2.04 $2.04
$7.13 $7.13
🚌 Getting Around
Cost
Range
One-way Ticket (Public Transport)
$1.95 $1.95
$0.98 $0.98
$1.95 $1.95
Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)
$120 $120
-
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)
$2.97 $2.97
$2.97 $2.97
$5.45 $5.45
Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)
$2.23 $2.23
$2.23 $2.23
$3.19 $3.19
Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)
$41.30 $41.30
$41.30 $41.30
$41.30 $41.30
Gasoline (1 liter)
$1.14 $1.14
$0.85 $0.85
$1.20 $1.20
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$27.9K $27.9K
$27.9K $27.9K
$35.8K $35.8K
Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$26.0K $26.0K
$25.1K $25.1K
$27.0K $27.0K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)
$174 $174
$91.2 $91.2
$709 $709
SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$50.6 $50.6
$29.88 $29.88
$122 $122
Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$50.8 $50.8
$50.8 $50.8
$102 $102
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership (Monthly)
$41.15 $41.15
$19.75 $19.75
$49.38 $49.38
Cinema Ticket
$20.62 $20.62
$17.31 $17.31
$25.45 $25.45
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)
$1,988 $1,988
$1,491 $1,491
$2,485 $2,485
International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)
$16.1K $16.1K
$16.1K $16.1K
$72.3K $72.3K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)
$50.2 $50.2
$45.16 $45.16
$100 $100
Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)
$51.7 $51.7
$29.61 $29.61
$79.0 $79.0
Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)
$87.9 $87.9
$71.0 $71.0
$152 $152
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$103 $103
$80.5 $80.5
$201 $201
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$1,816 $1,816
$1,400 $1,400
$2,048 $2,048
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$1,295 $1,295
$996 $996
$1,494 $1,494
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)
$2,533 $2,533
$1,902 $1,902
$2,828 $2,828
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)
$2,403 $2,403
$1,788 $1,788
$2,794 $2,794
Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)
$2,576 $2,576
$1,894 $1,894
$2,576 $2,576
Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)
$2,362 $2,362
$1,847 $1,847
$2,362 $2,362
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)
$3,739 $3,739
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)
6.8
6
7.58

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

Last update: October 20, 2026

Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Passaic, NJ $2,737
Accommodation & Living
$1.3K
Groceries & Markets
$475
Eating Out
$335
Monthly Utilities & Internet
$275
Getting Around
$142
Clothing & Footwear
$132
Sport & Entertainment
$82

Cost Breakdown

Expect to pay about $1,816 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,295 outside the center. At 49% of the average salary ($3,739), housing is the biggest financial pressure.

Average take-home pay sits at $3,739, while typical expenses reach $2,737. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $4,105.

Expect to spend about $475 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $79.0 for two.

Public transport is priced at around $120 per month.

Cost Highlights

Cappuccino is more expensive than 96% of cities in North America

Eggs is more expensive than 94% of cities in North America

Public transport monthly pass is more expensive than 93% of cities in North America

Good to know
🕒 Local time
23:39 11:39 PM
🌤 Weather
👥 Population
67,974
💱 Currency
📈 Exchange rate
Exchange rates and currency converter

EUR to USD – United States Dollar Converter

United States Dollar exchange rates as of October 22, 2026: 1 EUR = 1.12 USD (1 USD = 0.89 EUR).

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Passaic, NJ Median Internet Speeds (Updated April 2026)

Mobile

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Latency
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Fixed Broadband

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Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index
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Cost of Living in Passaic, NJ - Frequently Asked Questions
How does Passaic, NJ, United States stack up in terms of overall affordability for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and who tends to find it good value?
Cost of Living in Passaic, NJ, United States is shaped by housing options, transit access, and local services. You will find a mix of budget apartments near transit lines and quieter residential streets with more space. Compared with large cities nearby, many everyday costs feel more approachable, while proximity to major hubs can push certain goods and services higher. Practical value comes from choosing neighborhoods that balance commute times with grocery access, cafes, and coworking spaces. It is smart to test a few areas before committing to a long lease, and look for seasonal deals on utilities. Tip: align your lodging with your work and errands to maximize value.
What does daily life look like in Passaic, NJ, United States in terms of housing search, food options, transport, and errands for visitors and long-stay residents?
Daily life centers on practical choices and transit friendly planning. Housing search benefits from focusing on areas near train or bus lines and with convenient grocery access, parks, and libraries. You will find a spectrum of rentals, from compact units to larger apartments, with room to negotiate if you stay longer. Food options include familiar delis and markets as well as international groceries and affordable takeout. For transport, NJ Transit connections, local buses, and walkable streets support short trips; biking is feasible in many blocks. Errands become smoother with clustered services in a single neighborhood. Passaic, NJ, United States living cost should shape your route and shopping choices. Tip: map a weekly loop to minimize backtracking and save time.
What quality of life, budgeting frameworks, and seasonal considerations help you stay comfortable in Passaic, NJ, United States while balancing neighborhood fit?
A steady budgeting approach helps preserve comfort as seasons change and neighborhoods shift. Build a simple framework with fixed housing related costs, flexible daily expenses, and a small emergency buffer. Favor neighborhoods with reliable heat and insulation in winter, and easy access to cooling options in summer, plus nearby parks or social spaces for outdoor activity. Seasonality affects groceries and transit: shop for local produce, use off-peak passes, and align errands with slower weekends. Stay flexible by testing nearby blocks and leveraging community resources like libraries and free events. Tip: keep a rotating list of must-visit areas to stay aligned with your priorities.
Is Passaic, NJ expensive to live in?
Budget at least $2,737 per month to live in Passaic, NJ once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
What percentage of income goes to rent in Passaic, NJ?
With 49% of the average paycheck going to rent, Passaic, NJ is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
Can you save money on an average salary in Passaic, NJ?
At $3,739 take-home, most residents in Passaic, NJ can cover the $2,737 monthly cost of living. Those earning $4,105 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What are typical rents in Passaic, NJ?
Where you live in Passaic, NJ makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,816; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,295. Overall, the market runs from $1,295 to $1,816 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
How expensive is a gym membership in Passaic, NJ?
At around $41.15 monthly, gym costs in Passaic, NJ are on the steep side. The price tracks with the city's overall high cost of services, though annual contracts and promotional deals can cut the bill.
Is food expensive in Passaic, NJ?
Passaic, NJ isn't cheap for groceries. Monthly bills reach $475 for a single person, and even basic items cost more than in most comparable cities. Cooking at home is still the most economical approach.
Is $2,000 enough to live comfortably in Passaic, NJ?
At $2,737 in typical monthly expenses, a $2,000 budget barely covers Passaic, NJ. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
What is quality of life like in Passaic, NJ?
Passaic, NJ offers genuinely appealing day-to-day living. Residents value fast internet, wellness scene, great local cuisine, and at around $2,737 per month, it's accessible to a broad range of incomes. Most people find the cost-to-quality balance sustainable long-term.

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