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

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,272 (excluding rent), and $2,642 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,760 (excluding rent), and $5,201 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$18.31 $18.31

$15.25 $15.25

$30.51 $30.51

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$77.2 $77.2

$44.28 $44.28

$148 $148

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$12.71 $12.71

$12.21 $12.21

$23.39 $23.39

Cappuccino

$5.34 $5.34

$3.05 $3.05

$7.11 $7.11

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

$2.72 $2.72

$2.47 $2.47

$3.45 $3.45

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.47 $1.47

$2.93 $2.93

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.27 $6.27

$5.65 $5.65

$9.83 $9.83

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.49 $6.49

$4.99 $4.99

$9.98 $9.98

Milk (1 liter)

$1.52 $1.52

$0.81 $0.81

$3.25 $3.25

White Bread (500g)

$4.43 $4.43

$2.77 $2.77

$7.21 $7.21

Rice (white) (1kg)

$4.45 $4.45

$4 $4

$13.34 $13.34

Eggs

$3.47 $3.47

$1.98 $1.98

$9.91 $9.91

Local Cheese (1kg)

$13.56 $13.56

$8.68 $8.68

$21.7 $21.7

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$7.33 $7.33

$5.08 $5.08

$18.08 $18.08

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$10.95 $10.95

$8.75 $8.75

$21.93 $21.93

Apples (1kg)

$4.88 $4.88

$2.94 $2.94

$10.86 $10.86

Banana (1kg)

$1.49 $1.49

$1.28 $1.28

$8.64 $8.64

Oranges (1kg)

$3.57 $3.57

$2.79 $2.79

$10.81 $10.81

Tomato (1kg)

$5.38 $5.38

$3.24 $3.24

$8.62 $8.62

Potato (1kg)

$4.65 $4.65

$2.79 $2.79

$8.66 $8.66

Onion (1kg)

$4.47 $4.47

$3.25 $3.25

$7.83 $7.83

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.64 $2.64

$1.95 $1.95

$3.21 $3.21

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.27 $2.27

$1.5 $1.5

$3.02 $3.02

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.36 $11.36

$10.87 $10.87

$15.79 $15.79

Wine (Bottle)

$15.08 $15.08

$10.05 $10.05

$25.13 $25.13

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.58 $2.58

$1.75 $1.75

$4.35 $4.35

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$3.54 $3.54

$2.47 $2.47

$4.94 $4.94

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.96 $1.96

$1.23 $1.23

$1.96 $1.96

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$39.94 $39.94

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.03 $3.03

$8.09 $8.09

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.25 $1.25

$3.14 $3.14

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$42.38 $42.38

$70.6 $70.6

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.89 $0.89

$0.76 $0.76

$1.02 $1.02

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

$25.1K $25.1K

$34.7K $34.7K

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

$24.7K $24.7K

$23.5K $23.5K

$38.6K $38.6K

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

$162 $162

$90.9 $90.9

$303 $303

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

$60.3 $60.3

$25.13 $25.13

$121 $121

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$69.1 $69.1

$40.34 $40.34

$101 $101

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$57.8 $57.8

$40.2 $40.2

$75.4 $75.4

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$40.72 $40.72

Cinema Ticket

$19.13 $19.13

$16.1 $16.1

$25.17 $25.17

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

$1,909 $1,909

$833 $833

$3,497 $3,497

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$14.2K $14.2K

$4,964 $4,964

$39.7K $39.7K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$62.2 $62.2

$47.49 $47.49

$85.9 $85.9

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$54.4 $54.4

$39.52 $39.52

$93.9 $93.9

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$80.9 $80.9

$78.4 $78.4

$123 $123

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$111 $111

$99.1 $99.1

$159 $159

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,590 $1,590

$1,191 $1,191

$1,844 $1,844

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,377 $1,377

$1,018 $1,018

$1,527 $1,527

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$4,311 $4,311

$3,043 $3,043

$5,579 $5,579

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,230 $2,230

$1,706 $1,706

$2,509 $2,509

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,533 $2,533

$1,858 $1,858

$2,533 $2,533

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,579 $2,579

$2,107 $2,107

$2,579 $2,579

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$4,972 $4,972

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.51

7.2

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

Last update: November 30, 2025

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Ridgewood, NJ - Frequently Asked Questions

When you compare Cost of Living in Ridgewood, NJ, United States, you’ll find housing and commuting shape most budgets. The town sits in a premium suburban tier, so expect higher rents or mortgage costs than rural towns, but with the benefit of safe streets, solid schools, and a walkable village core. Dining and groceries are a mix of local cafés and larger chains, with seasonal markets boosting summer value. Transit to Manhattan via NJ Transit is convenient, which makes day trips practical for work or exploration. For short stays, look for apartment sublets or room shares to test the rhythm before signing longer leases. Tip: consider off-peak travel days to save on transport.

Daily life in Ridgewood blends a village feel with easy access to the city. If you are budgeting with Ridgewood, NJ, United States living cost in mind, you’ll notice housing and transit take the biggest share. When you search for housing, start with the village core to get walkability and transit access, then widen your search to neighboring towns for price variety. Food options range from casual delis and bakery cafés to farmers markets and reliable grocery stores; you’ll find both affordable staples and occasional specialty treats. For work or study, look for cafes with solid Wi Fi and consider nearby co working spaces. Transport is practical: NJ Transit trains connect to Manhattan and local buses cover the surrounding neighborhoods. Tip: map a weekly errands route to minimize backtracking and save time.

Quality of life in Ridgewood hinges on balance and preparation. Start with a simple budgeting framework like 50 30 20 to guide housing, groceries, and discretionary spends, then carve out room for transit and occasional NYC trips. Seasonality affects daily costs: summer farmers markets can cut meal costs, while winter heating and utility bills rise if you own. Neighborhood fit matters: Downtown Ridgewood offers shops, cafes, and easy train access, while leafy residential lanes provide quiet evenings and parks for weekends. Test a neighborhood with a full-day visit, map quick errands, and line up a flexible work setup nearby. Tip: build a short list of go-to spots to reduce decision fatigue.