Cost of Living in Chatham
Summary: If you're moving to Chatham, understanding the the cost of living in Chatham helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.
Apartment Rentals | The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Chatham is $1,845 per month. Two-bedroom apartments average $2,200 per month. |
Apartment Purchases | The median home value in Chatham is $717,400. The median list price per square foot is $323. |
Transportation | The average cost of gas in Chatham is $2.50 per gallon. The average monthly cost of public transportation is $80. |
Groceries | The average cost of groceries in Chatham is $400 per month. |
Restaurants | The average cost of a meal at a mid-range restaurant in Chatham is $25. |
Utilities | The average cost of utilities in Chatham is $150 per month. |
Private School Tuition | The average cost of private school tuition for preschool in Chatham is $15,000 per year. The average cost of private school tuition for elementary school is $20,000 per year. The average cost of private school tuition for middle school is $25,000 per year. The average cost of private school tuition for high school is $30,000 per year. |
Monthly Budget for Retirees in Chatham
"The cost of living in Chatham is generally higher than the national average. Housing costs are particularly high, with the median home value being significantly higher than the national median. Groceries, transportation, and utilities are also more expensive than the national average. Overall, the cost of living in Chatham is higher than the national average, but the quality of life is also higher," said one expat living in Chatham.
Can I live in Chatham on $1,500 a month?
"I've been living in Chatham for a while now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live on $1,500 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. Chatham is a beautiful town with great schools and a lovely community, but it can be quite expensive, especially when it comes to housing. To make it work on $1,500 a month, you'll likely need to find a roommate or rent a small apartment in a more affordable neighborhood. Some of the more affordable areas in Chatham include the neighborhoods around Main Street and the southern part of town near the Chatham Borough border. These areas tend to have more apartment buildings and multi-family homes, which can be more budget-friendly. On the other hand, you'll probably want to avoid the more expensive neighborhoods, such as those in the northern part of Chatham Township and around the Rolling Hill section. These areas have larger, more expensive homes and are generally more upscale. In addition to housing, you'll also need to be mindful of your spending on other necessities like groceries, transportation, and entertainment. Chatham has a few grocery stores, but you might find better deals by shopping at nearby discount stores like Aldi or Walmart. For transportation, you can save money by using the NJ Transit train or bus system, which connects Chatham to nearby towns and New York City. As for entertainment, Chatham has a few local parks and a small downtown area with some restaurants and shops. However, you might need to cut back on dining out and look for free or low-cost activities to stay within your budget. Luckily, there are plenty of outdoor activities and events in the area, such as hiking in the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge or attending community events like the annual Fishawack Festival.Overall, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Chatham is possible, but it will require some sacrifices and careful budgeting. By finding affordable housing, shopping smart, and taking advantage of low-cost activities, you can make it work and enjoy your time in this charming New Jersey town," commented an expat living in Chatham.
Can I live in Chatham on $3,500 a month?
"I've been living in Chatham for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month, but you'll have to make some sacrifices. Chatham is a pretty affluent area, so the cost of living can be quite high, especially when it comes to housing. If you're used to living in a luxury apartment or a large house, you might have to downsize to a smaller place or consider sharing a house with roommates to save on rent. When it comes to finding an affordable neighborhood, you might want to look into the surrounding towns like Madison, Summit, or Morristown. These areas tend to have more reasonably priced housing options, and they're still close enough to Chatham that you can enjoy the amenities and community events. On the other hand, you might want to avoid more expensive neighborhoods like Short Hills or New Providence, as the cost of living there can be significantly higher.Another sacrifice you might have to make is cutting back on dining out and entertainment expenses. Chatham has some great restaurants and bars, but they can be pricey. Instead, consider cooking at home more often and taking advantage of the local parks and recreational facilities for entertainment. Lastly, you might need to be mindful of your transportation costs. If you're used to driving everywhere, you might want to consider using public transportation or carpooling to save on gas and parking expenses. The NJ Transit train and bus lines run through Chatham and the surrounding towns, making it relatively easy to get around without a car.Overall, living comfortably on $3,000 a month in Chatham is doable, but you'll need to be strategic about your housing, entertainment, and transportation choices," said one expat living in Chatham.
Can I live in Chatham on $5,000 a month?
"I've been living in Chatham for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, even if you're used to modern amenities. However, you might have to make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment options. Chatham is a pretty affluent area, so some neighborhoods can be quite expensive. If you're looking for more affordable options, I'd recommend checking out the neighborhoods around Main Street and the Chatham Borough area. These areas tend to have more reasonably priced apartments and homes, and you'll still be close to shops, restaurants, and public transportation.On the other hand, I'd avoid looking for housing in the Chatham Township area, as it tends to be more expensive. The homes there are larger and more luxurious, which might be out of your budget if you're trying to stick to $5,000 a month. In terms of sacrifices, you might have to settle for a smaller living space or an older home, but you can still find some nice places that have been updated with modern amenities.As for entertainment and dining options, Chatham has a decent selection of restaurants and bars, but you might have to be more mindful of your spending if you're used to going out a lot. There are also some nice parks and recreational facilities in the area, so you can still enjoy outdoor activities without breaking the bank.Overall, living in Chatham on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll have to be more budget-conscious and make some sacrifices in terms of housing and entertainment. But if you're willing to do that, you can still enjoy a comfortable lifestyle in this charming town," commented an expat living in Chatham.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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