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

By Betsy Burlingame

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Summary: If you're moving to Bernardsville, understanding the the cost of living in Bernardsville 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 Bernardsville is around $1,800 per month. Two-bedroom apartments typically rent for around $2,400 per month.
Apartment Purchases The median home value in Bernardsville is around $735,000. The median list price per square foot is around $310.
Transportation The average cost of a monthly bus pass in Bernardsville is around $70. The average cost of a gallon of gas is around $2.50.
Groceries The average cost of a gallon of milk in Bernardsville is around $3.50. A loaf of bread typically costs around $3.00. A dozen eggs typically costs around $2.50.
Restaurants The average cost of a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant in Bernardsville is around $60. The average cost of a pizza delivery is around $15.
Utilities The average cost of electricity in Bernardsville is around $150 per month. The average cost of water and sewer is around $50 per month.
Private School Tuition The average cost of preschool tuition in Bernardsville is around $15,000 per year. The average cost of elementary school tuition is around $20,000 per year. The average cost of middle school tuition is around $25,000 per year. The average cost of high school tuition is around $30,000 per year.

Monthly Budget for Retirees in Bernardsville

"The cost of living in Bernardsville 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 Bernardsville is higher than the national average, but the quality of life is also higher," said one expat living in Bernardsville.

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

"I've been living in Bernardsville for a while now, and I can tell you that it's quite challenging to live comfortably on $1,500 a month, especially if you're used to modern amenities. However, it's not impossible if you're willing to make some sacrifices. First, you'll need to find affordable housing. Bernardsville is known for its upscale neighborhoods, so you might want to avoid areas like the Bernardsville Mountain and the Old Army neighborhood, as they tend to be more expensive. Instead, consider looking for a roommate or renting a small apartment in a more affordable part of town, like near the train station or along Route 202.Next, you'll need to be mindful of your transportation costs. Owning a car can be expensive, so you might want to rely on public transportation or carpooling with coworkers. The NJ Transit train station in Bernardsville can take you to nearby towns and even New York City, which can help you save on gas and car maintenance.When it comes to groceries and dining out, you'll need to be budget-conscious. Shopping at discount grocery stores like Aldi or Walmart can help you save on food costs. Additionally, try to limit dining out and opt for cooking at home instead. Bernardsville has some great restaurants, but they can be pricey, so save those for special occasions.As for entertainment and leisure activities, you'll need to prioritize and find low-cost or free options. Bernardsville has some beautiful parks and nature trails, like the Scherman Hoffman Wildlife Sanctuary, which are perfect for outdoor activities that won't break the bank. The Bernardsville Public Library also offers free events and resources that you can take advantage of.In conclusion, living comfortably on $1,500 a month in Bernardsville is challenging, but not impossible if you're willing to make some sacrifices. By finding affordable housing, being mindful of transportation costs, shopping smart for groceries, and prioritizing low-cost entertainment options, you can make it work," commented an expat living in Bernardsville.

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

"I've been living in Bernardsville 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. Bernardsville 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 modern amenities, you might have to compromise on the size or quality of your living space to make it work.One option is to look for a smaller apartment or a shared living situation. There are some more affordable neighborhoods nearby, like Basking Ridge or Bedminster, where you can find more reasonably priced housing options. These areas are still close enough to Bernardsville that you can enjoy the amenities and atmosphere of the town without breaking the bank on rent.As for other expenses, you'll need to be mindful of your spending on things like dining out, entertainment, and shopping. Bernardsville has some great restaurants and shops, but they can be on the pricier side. You might need to limit how often you go out to eat or look for more budget-friendly options in nearby towns.Another thing to consider is transportation. If you have a car, you'll need to factor in the cost of gas, insurance, and maintenance. If you don't have a car, you'll need to rely on public transportation, which can be somewhat limited in this area. You might need to adjust your schedule to accommodate the available transit options or consider getting a bike for shorter trips around town.Overall, it's possible to live comfortably on $3,000 a month in Bernardsville, but you'll need to be mindful of your spending and be willing to make some sacrifices. By looking for more affordable housing options in nearby neighborhoods and being conscious of your spending on things like dining out and entertainment, you can make it work," said one expat living in Bernardsville.

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

"I've been living in Bernardsville for a few years now, and I can tell you that it's definitely possible to live comfortably on $5,000 a month, but you might have to make some sacrifices. Bernardsville 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 the Bernardsville train station and the downtown area. These areas tend to have more reasonably priced apartments and homes, and you'll still have access to all the modern amenities you're used to.On the other hand, I'd avoid looking for housing in the more upscale neighborhoods like the Bernardsville Mountain area or the neighborhoods near the Somerset Hills Country Club. These areas tend to have larger, more expensive homes, and you might have a hard time finding something within your budget.As for sacrifices, you might have to compromise on the size of your living space or the quality of the finishes in your home. You might also have to cut back on dining out at some of the pricier restaurants in town or limit your entertainment expenses. However, there are still plenty of affordable options for dining and entertainment in the area, so you won't have to give up too much.Another thing to consider is transportation. If you're used to having a car, you might want to think about using public transportation or carpooling to save on gas and parking expenses. The train station in Bernardsville offers easy access to New York City, and there are also local bus routes that can help you get around town.Overall, living in Bernardsville on $5,000 a month is doable, but you'll need to be mindful of your budget and make some compromises. It's a beautiful area with a lot to offer, so I think you'll find it's worth the effort to make it work," commented an expat living in Bernardsville.

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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