Expat Guide: Bergen County Relocation Cost Factors

Relocating, especially internationally, is a monumental undertaking. Add to that the complexities of choosing the right community for your family, and the process can quickly become overwhelming. For expats considering a move to the New York metropolitan area, Bergen County, New Jersey, often emerges as a desirable location thanks to its excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and proximity to New York City. Within Bergen County, the towns of Tenafly, Cresskill, Closter, and Demarest consistently rank high in terms of desirability, but understanding the cost of living in these areas is crucial for effective budgeting and planning. This blog post will dissect five key cost factors that expats should consider when relocating to these particular Bergen County communities, providing a more detailed look at potential expenses and offering examples to help in your budget planning.

Cost Summary: An Example for an Average Family

Total Net (post-tax) Monthly Cost (estimated, excluding private school & savings): $10,700 – $16,125+ per month

Gross Income Yearly Cost (based on tax calculator): $200,000-$315,000 per year for married filing jointly

To illustrate the potential costs, consider an example of a family of four (two adults and two school-aged children) relocating to one of these Bergen County towns:

• Housing (Rent): $4,500 – $6,000 per month (for a 3-4 bedroom house)
• Property Taxes (if purchasing): $1,875 – $3,125+ per month (on a $1.5M home)
• Utilities: $500 – $700 per month
• Education: $0 (public school) or $2,000 – $4,000+ per month (private school, per child)
• Preschool/Daycare (if applicable): $1,000 – $2,500+ per month
• Healthcare: $1,000 – $1,500 per month (usually some paid by employers)
• Transportation: $500 – $1,000+ per month (including car, public transit, tolls)
• Groceries: $1,200 – $1,800+ per month
• Lifestyle & Miscellaneous: $1,000+ per month

This is a rough estimate and costs can vary significantly based on lifestyle choices and individual needs. It’s essential to create a personalized budget based on your family’s specific circumstances.

1. Housing: The Cornerstone of Your Budget

Housing costs are indeed a significant expense when relocating to Tenafly, Cresskill, Closter, and Demarest. Median list prices in these towns range from $1.2M to $2.0M according to rockethomes.com and realtor.com. Additionally, Tenafly has a high cost of living with many households earning over $219,000 annually, as noted by anateisenberg.com.

The real estate market here is competitive and driven by the high demand for quality schools and convenient access to NYC.

• Purchase Prices: Expect to pay a considerable amount for a single-family home in these towns. The median home values can range from $900,000 to well over $2 million, depending on the size, location, and condition of the property. For instance, a renovated 4-bedroom colonial in Tenafly might easily exceed $1.8 million, while a smaller, older home in Closter might be found closer to the $950,000 mark. Zillow and Redfin are great resources to track current market values. Keep in mind that these are median values; larger, newly renovated, or more centrally located homes will command significantly higher prices.
• Rental Market: While owning is the norm, there are rental options, but they are limited. Expect to find fewer multi-family buildings and more individual houses or townhomes for rent. Rents for a 3-4 bedroom house can range from $4,000 to $7,000+ per month. A 3-bedroom townhouse in Cresskill, for example, might rent for $4,500 per month, while a larger, renovated home with a yard in Demarest could reach $6,500 or more. Availability can be scarce, so planning well in advance is crucial.
• Property Taxes: New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the United States, and Bergen County is no exception. Property taxes are typically a large portion of your monthly housing costs and should be factored into your budget. These taxes are used to fund local schools, infrastructure, and other community services. The specific tax rate varies from town to town, but you can generally expect to pay 1.5% to 2.5% of the assessed property value annually. On a $1.5 million home, this could translate to $22,500 to $37,500 per year, or roughly $1,875 to $3,125 per month. NJ Department of Community Affairs website often has resources related to tax rates.
• Home Insurance: Homeowner’s insurance is another recurring cost that should be budgeted for, typically costing between $1,000 to $3,000 per year, depending on your coverage and the value of your home. A comprehensive policy for a $1.5 million home might cost around $2,500 annually. Factor in potential additional costs such as flood insurance, especially if you’re near a water source.
• Maintenance & Utilities: Don’t forget to budget for ongoing maintenance and utilities. Costs can vary significantly based on the size of your house and family, but expect monthly expenses for electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, and potentially lawn care and snow removal. Average monthly utility costs in the area can range from $300 to $700+ depending on the season and usage. A larger home with a family of four might see monthly utility bills closer to $600-$700 during peak summer or winter months.

2. Education: Public vs. Private Options

The public school systems in Tenafly, Cresskill, Closter, and Demarest are highly regarded, with Tenafly known for its academic rigor. These districts often rank among the best in the state. However, some sources suggest that Cresskill schools may not be as strong as those in Tenafly, Demarest, and Closter.

• Public Schools: The public schools are funded by property taxes, meaning there is no tuition fee if you reside in that district. These schools offer a high-quality education, but class sizes can be larger, and some families may seek additional support or specialized programs.
• Private Schools: If you are considering private education, there are several excellent options in Bergen County. However, private school tuition can be a considerable expense, ranging from $20,000 to $40,000+ per year per child, depending on the grade level and type of institution. For example, tuition at Dwight-Englewood School can reach $45,000 per year for upper grades. This does not include additional fees for books, uniforms, extracurricular activities, and fundraising, which can easily add another $2,000 to $5,000 per child annually. Some well-regarded private schools in the area include Dwight-Englewood School, Bergen Catholic High School, and The Elisabeth Morrow School.
• Preschool & Daycare: For families with younger children, preschool and daycare costs are another factor. Expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500+ per month for full-time care, depending on the program and age of the child. A full-day program for a 3-year-old might cost around $1,800 per month, while a more specialized program could reach $2,500. Before and after school care programs for older children can also add to the budget, potentially adding $300 to $600 per month per child.
• Tutoring & Extracurriculars: Many families supplement their children’s education with tutoring, music lessons, sports programs, and other extracurricular activities. These costs can vary greatly but should be factored into your budget, especially if your children participate in multiple activities. Consider budgeting a few hundred dollars per child per month for these activities. For example, private tutoring sessions might cost $50 to $100 per hour, while participation in a travel soccer team could cost $1,500 to $3,000+ per year.
• University Preparation: For families with older children, planning for university expenses is crucial. While university costs are not a direct cost of living in the area, it’s good to start thinking about it early. New Jersey has several excellent universities, but costs can be very high at private institutions, averaging $60,000-$80,000+ per year.

3. Healthcare: Navigating the American System

Understanding the healthcare system in the United States is crucial for expats, as costs can be substantial. It operates differently from many other countries, and most working expats will not be eligible to receive free public healthcare in the US, according to internations.org. Non-citizens generally cannot access Medicare or Medicaid except under certain conditions, as stated by internationalinsurance.com. Essential tips for navigating the US healthcare system as an expat can be found at global-lt.com.

• Health Insurance: Health insurance is not government-provided and is typically obtained through your employer or purchased privately. Employer-sponsored plans usually have lower monthly premiums, but they may not cover all your needs. Private insurance plans can be expensive, with monthly premiums ranging from $500 to $1,500+ for a family, depending on the level of coverage and deductible. A family of four might pay around $1,200 per month for a mid-range plan with a $3,000 deductible. Be sure to research plans and understand what is covered before making a decision. Healthcare.gov is a good starting point to understand your options.
• Doctor Visits & Specialists: Even with insurance, you will likely have co-pays for doctor visits, specialist appointments, and emergency room visits. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s essential to be aware of your plan’s co-pays and deductible. A visit to a specialist could cost anywhere from $75 to $200+ after your insurance contribution. A routine visit to a primary care physician might have a co-pay of $30, while a specialist visit could be $75 or more.
• Prescriptions: Prescription drug costs can vary significantly depending on the medication and your insurance plan. Be sure to check your plan’s formulary (list of covered drugs) and understand your co-pays. Some medications can be very expensive without insurance coverage, costing hundreds of dollars per month. A monthly prescription for a common medication could have a co-pay of $20, while a specialty medication could be much higher.
• Dental & Vision Care: Dental and vision care are often separate from standard health insurance plans. You may need to purchase additional coverage for these services. The cost of dental and vision care can vary, but expect to pay a few hundred dollars per year for routine checkups and potential additional costs for procedures. A dental checkup might cost $100-$200 per visit, while a basic vision exam could be $100-$150.
• Emergency Care: Emergency room visits can be very expensive, even with insurance. It’s good to understand the nearest hospitals and emergency rooms and have a plan in case of a medical emergency. An ER visit, even with insurance, could result in bills of several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the treatment received.

4. Transportation: Commuting and Getting Around

Transportation costs depend on your lifestyle and where you work, with commuting often being a factor. Commuting costs can range from $1,000 to $2,000+ annually, according to decided.org. Public transportation commuting rose from 2.5% to 3.1% between 2021 and 2022, according to coastpay.com.

• Car Ownership: Many families in Bergen County own at least one car. Car ownership costs include car payments, insurance, gas, maintenance, and parking. Car insurance can range from $1,000 to $3,000+ per year, depending on your driving history, the vehicle, and coverage. A family with two cars might spend $2,000 to $5,000+ per year on insurance, depending on the vehicles and coverage. Gas prices in New Jersey can fluctuate, but expect to pay close to the national average. Regular maintenance and potential repairs should also be budgeted, with annual costs ranging from $500 to $1,500+.
• Public Transportation: While the towns themselves are primarily car-dependent, public transportation is available for commuting to New York City. The New Jersey Transit train system provides access to Manhattan, and buses are also available. A monthly train pass into New York City can range from $200 to $300+, while bus fares are typically cheaper. A monthly train pass from Tenafly to Penn Station, for example, might cost around $280.
• Toll Roads & Bridges: If you commute to New York City by car, expect to pay tolls on bridges and tunnels. These tolls can add up quickly and should be factored into your monthly transportation budget. Daily tolls to New York City can range from $15 to $20+ each way.
• Ride-Sharing & Taxis: Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available, but they can be expensive for regular use. Taxis are also available, but they are generally more costly than ride-sharing. A short ride within town might cost $10-$15, while a trip to New York City could be $70+.
• Parking: Parking in New York City can be very expensive, so if you drive, factor in daily or monthly parking fees, which can range from $20 to $50+ per day. Monthly parking in a Manhattan garage can easily exceed $400.

5. Lifestyle & Miscellaneous Expenses

Beyond the core costs of housing, education, healthcare, and transportation, there are other lifestyle and miscellaneous expenses to consider.

• Groceries & Dining Out: Grocery costs can be higher than in some other parts of the country, particularly for organic or specialty items. Expect to spend at least $1,000 to $1,500+ per month for a family, depending on your dietary preferences. A family of four might spend $1,200-$1,800 per month on groceries. Eating out can also be pricey, with a family meal at a mid-range restaurant costing $100+. A casual family dinner out could easily cost $80-$120, while a higher-end experience might be $200 or more.
• Entertainment & Recreation: There are many recreational activities and cultural events in Bergen County and nearby New York City. Budget for entertainment expenses, such as movies, concerts, sporting events, museum visits, and travel. A family outing to a local movie theater could cost $50-$70, while tickets to a Broadway show in NYC can easily exceed $100 per person.
• Clothing & Personal Care: Clothing and personal care items can be purchased at a variety of price points. Budget accordingly based on your family’s needs and preferences.
• Household Items & Furnishings: If you are moving into a new home, you will need to budget for household items and furnishings. This can be a significant initial expense, especially if you are starting from scratch.
• Savings & Emergency Fund: It’s important to establish a savings plan and build an emergency fund to cover unexpected expenses or job loss. Financial experts generally recommend having at least 3-6 months of living expenses saved.

Conclusion: Planning is Key

Relocating to Tenafly, Cresskill, Closter, or Demarest can be a wonderful experience for expat families, offering excellent schools, safe communities, and convenient access to New York City. However, the cost of living is significant, and careful planning is essential for a smooth transition. By understanding the key cost factors outlined in this post – housing, education, healthcare, transportation, and lifestyle expenses – and considering the cost examples provided, you can create a realistic budget and make informed decisions about your move. Thorough research, consultation with local real estate agents, and engagement with the communities themselves will help you make the best choice for your family’s future. Remember to always factor in a buffer for unexpected costs and consult with financial advisors as needed. With proper preparation, you can successfully navigate the complexities of relocation and enjoy all that Bergen County has to offer.