Cost of Living in Metuchen
Summary: If you are thinking about moving to Metuchen, here is an overview of the cost of living there.
Metuchen, is a small suburban borough in Middlesex County, known for its tight-knit community and proximity to major cities like New York. The cost of living in Metuchen is generally higher than the national average, reflecting the overall cost of living in the Northeastern United States, particularly in the New York metropolitan area. Housing costs in Metuchen are a significant factor in the overall cost of living, with prices for homes being quite high compared to many other parts of the country.
As of my knowledge cutoff in early 2023, the median home value in Metuchen is around $500,000 to $600,000, with considerable variation depending on the size, condition, and location of the property. For a 3-bedroom home, prices typically range from $400,000 to $550,000, while 4-bedroom homes can range from $500,000 to $700,000 or more. Apartment rentals also reflect the high cost of living, with a 1-bedroom apartment averaging between $1,500 and $2,000 per month, and a 2-bedroom apartment ranging from $2,000 to $2,500 per month. Purchasing an apartment or a condo in Metuchen can vary widely in price, but buyers should expect to pay at least $300,000 for a 2-bedroom unit.
When it comes to dining out, restaurant prices in Metuchen are on par with what you would expect in a suburban town near a major city. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant might cost around $15 to $20 per person, while a three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant could be between $50 and $70 per person. Utilities, including electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, for a standard 85m2 apartment, can range from $150 to $250 per month, depending on usage and the time of year.
Private school tuition can be a significant expense for families living in Metuchen. Preschool costs can vary, but on average, you might expect to pay between $800 and $1,200 per month for full-time enrollment. Elementary private schools in the area can cost between $5,000 and $10,000 per year, while middle and high school tuitions can be significantly higher, often ranging from $10,000 to $25,000 per year or more, depending on the institution.
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| 3-bedroom home purchase | $400,000 - $550,000 |
| 4-bedroom home purchase | $500,000 - $700,000+ |
| 1-bedroom apartment rental | $1,500 - $2,000/month |
| 2-bedroom apartment rental | $2,000 - $2,500/month |
| 2-bedroom apartment purchase | $300,000+ |
| Inexpensive restaurant meal | $15 - $20/person |
| Mid-range restaurant 3-course meal | $50 - $70/person |
| Monthly utilities (85m2 apartment) | $150 - $250 |
| Private preschool tuition | $800 - $1,200/month |
| Private elementary school tuition | $5,000 - $10,000/year |
| Private middle school tuition | $10,000 - $25,000/year |
| Private high school tuition | $10,000 - $25,000+/year |
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of BlueBurbia and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and BlueBurbia, 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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