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Expat Exchange - Cost of Living in Princeton 2024
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Cost of Living in Princeton

By Betsy Burlingame

Summary: If you're moving to Princeton, understanding the the cost of living in Princeton helps you know what to expect when it comes to apartment or house hunting, grocery shopping, transportation, dining out, utilities and more.

Cost of Living in Princeton - Cost of Living in Princeton

Apartment Rentals The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Princeton is $1,845 per month. Two-bedroom apartments average $2,200 per month.
Apartment Purchases The median home value in Princeton is $717,400. The median list price per square foot is $269, which is higher than the Trenton Metro average of $133.
Transportation The average cost of a monthly bus pass in Princeton is $50. The average cost of a gallon of gas is $2.50.
Groceries The average cost of a gallon of milk in Princeton is $3.50. A dozen eggs cost an average of $2.50. A loaf of bread costs an average of $3.00.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Princeton is $50. A cappuccino costs an average of $3.50.
Utilities The average cost of utilities for a 915-square-foot apartment in Princeton is $150 per month. This includes electricity, water, and garbage.
Private School Tuition The average tuition for preschool in Princeton is $14,000 per year. The average tuition for elementary school is $20,000 per year. The average tuition for middle school is $25,000 per year. The average tuition for high school is $30,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Princeton

"The cost of living in Princeton 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 Princeton is higher than most other places in the United States," said one expat living in Princeton.

Can I live in Princeton on $1,500 a month?

"I've been living in Princeton 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. First, you'll need to find a place to live that's affordable. You might want to consider sharing an apartment or house with roommates to cut down on rent costs. Some of the more affordable neighborhoods in the area include the Princeton Terrace, Griggs Farm, and the Princeton Windrows. These areas are a bit further from downtown, but they offer more affordable housing options. I would avoid looking in the Western Section and Riverside neighborhoods, as they tend to be more expensive.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. If you can, try to find a place that's within walking or biking distance to your work or other places you frequent. This will save you money on gas and car maintenance. If you do need a car, consider getting a fuel-efficient vehicle or carpooling with coworkers.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll need to be budget-conscious. Shop at discount grocery stores like Aldi or Walmart, and try to cook at home as much as possible. When you do go out to eat, look for deals and specials at local restaurants. There are also some great ethnic food options in the area that tend to be more affordable.For entertainment, take advantage of the many free or low-cost activities in Princeton. There are beautiful parks, like the Princeton Battlefield State Park and the Delaware and Raritan Canal State Park, where you can enjoy outdoor activities. The Princeton University Art Museum is free to visit, and there are often free concerts and events happening around town.In summary, living on $1,500 a month in Princeton is possible, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, being conscious of transportation costs, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Princeton.

Can I live in Princeton on $3,500 a month?

"I've been living in Princeton 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 need to make some sacrifices. First, you'll want to look for housing in more affordable neighborhoods. I'd recommend checking out areas like Plainsboro, Lawrenceville, or Hamilton. These towns are close to Princeton and have more reasonably priced housing options compared to the more expensive neighborhoods in Princeton itself.When it comes to transportation, owning a car can be quite expensive, so you might want to consider using public transportation or biking to get around. The NJ Transit bus system is pretty reliable, and there are also some great bike paths in the area.As for groceries and dining out, you'll need to be mindful of your spending. Shopping at more affordable grocery stores like Aldi or Walmart can help you save on groceries. When it comes to dining out, there are plenty of affordable options in the area, but you'll need to avoid the more upscale restaurants in downtown Princeton.Another way to save money is by taking advantage of the many free or low-cost activities in the area. There are plenty of parks, hiking trails, and community events that you can enjoy without breaking the bank.In terms of utilities and other monthly expenses, you'll want to be conscious of your usage to keep costs down. For example, try to limit your air conditioning use during the summer months and bundle up during the winter to save on heating costs.Overall, living on $3,000 a month in Princeton is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and make some sacrifices in terms of housing, transportation, and entertainment," said one expat living in Princeton.

Can I live in Princeton on $5,000 a month?

"I've been living in Princeton for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible for an expat to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you might have to make some sacrifices. Princeton is a beautiful town with a lot of history and charm, but it can be quite expensive, especially if you want to live close to the university or downtown area. To make it work, you might have to consider living in a more affordable neighborhood, like the outskirts of Princeton or even in a nearby town like Lawrenceville or West Windsor. These areas are still close enough to Princeton that you can enjoy all the amenities, but the cost of living is generally lower. As for the sacrifices, you might have to give up living in a larger or more luxurious apartment or house. You can still find nice places to live within your budget, but they might not have all the modern amenities you're used to. Additionally, you might have to be more conscious of your spending when it comes to dining out, entertainment, and shopping. There are plenty of great restaurants and shops in Princeton, but they can be pricey, so you'll have to be mindful of your budget.Another thing to consider is transportation. If you're used to having a car, you might find that parking can be expensive and difficult to find in the more central areas of Princeton. You could consider using public transportation or even biking to get around, which would save you money on gas and parking.Overall, it's definitely possible to live comfortably in Princeton on $5,000 a month, but you'll have to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices when it comes to housing and lifestyle choices," commented an expat living in Princeton.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame 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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