Cost of Living in Avenel, NJ

Population 17,143 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

125
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

One of the defining characteristics of Avenel is a long average commute — 36 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost.

Avenel sits roughly 7 miles southwest of Elizabeth — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Elizabeth's $394,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 115
Rent 140

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Avenel

The median home value in Avenel is $351,200 — 15% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,839/month, 40% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,935/year is 29% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, above the national average of 4.8%. New Jersey's top state income tax rate is 10.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.6%. The climate averages highs of 63.8°F and lows of 47.1°F, with about 31.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Avenel has a cost of living index of 125 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 25% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$351,200
15% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$519,145
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,839/mo
40% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.9x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
2.5%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$1,474
1 BR
$1,654
2 BR
$2,040
3 BR
$2,550
4 BR
$2,885
Owner-occupied 49.7%
Renter-occupied 50.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,839
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,453/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
35.8 min
33% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.4%
Carpooled
6.9%
Public transit
10.3%
Walked
1.3%
Work from home
8.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 10.8%
Total Sales Tax 6.6%
State rate 6.6%
Avg local rate -0.0%
Property Tax 2.5%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$95,935
29% above avg
Per Capita Income
$38,824
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
5% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Labor Force Participation
56.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.3%
Graduate degree 11.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.3
Male median age 40
Female median age 37.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.8°F
Avg Low
47.1°F
Annual Precip
46.6"
Annual Snowfall
31.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637382878578665545
Low °F 262734445464696861493931
Precip" 3.422.984.133.873.974.344.664.153.823.793.334.14
Snow" 9.110.15.60.50.00.00.00.00.00.20.65.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
62.7%
Good air days/yr
247
Max AQI recorded
194
PM2.5 days
160
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Avenel, NJ?

Avenel has a cost index of 125 (100 = national average). It is 25% above the national average.

What is average rent in Avenel, NJ?

The median gross rent in Avenel is $1,839 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Avenel?

The median home value in Avenel is $351,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Avenel?

The median household income in Avenel is $95,935 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Avenel, NJ?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Avenel is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.

Is Avenel, NJ affordable?

Avenel is above average in cost of living, with an index of 125 — about 25% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Avenel?

Avenel has average high temperatures of 63.8°F and average lows of 47.1°F. Annual precipitation is 46.6". Average annual snowfall is 31.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Avenel at a Glance

Population
17,143
Median Income
$95,935
Home Value
$351,200
Median Rent
$1,839/mo
Unemployment
5.0%
Avg High Temp
63.8°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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🗺️ County data for New Jersey

Explore county-level cost of living data

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