Cost of Living in Belle Mead, NJ

Population 6,772 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

233
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Belle Mead sits 155% above the national median — $778,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $219,215 (194% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Geographically, Belle Mead is about 30 miles southwest of Elizabeth, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 98% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 255
Rent 201

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

About the Cost of Living in Belle Mead

The median home value in Belle Mead is $777,600 — 155% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,645/month, 101% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $219,215/year is 194% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.9%, 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 63.6°F and lows of 41.4°F. Overall, Belle Mead has a cost of living index of 233 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 133% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$777,600
155% above avg
Median Rent
$2,645/mo
101% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.5x
Favors renting
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 64.4%
Renter-occupied 35.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,645
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,259/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
41.7 min
54% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
35.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
49.6%
Carpooled
5.8%
Public transit
4.5%
Walked
1.4%
Work from home
35.0%

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
$219,215
194% above avg
Per Capita Income
$69,665
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
2% above avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
Labor Force Participation
80.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 34.0%
Graduate degree 39.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.1
Male median age 36.6
Female median age 35.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.6°F
Avg Low
41.4°F
Annual Precip
45.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394351637381868478665544
Low °F 212230394858636154423326
Precip" 3.162.203.893.593.544.234.935.183.823.673.413.87

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Belle Mead, NJ?

Belle Mead has a cost index of 233 (100 = national average). It is 133% above the national average.

What is average rent in Belle Mead, NJ?

The median gross rent in Belle Mead is $2,645 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Belle Mead?

The median home value in Belle Mead is $777,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Belle Mead?

The median household income in Belle Mead is $219,215 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Belle Mead, NJ?

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

Is Belle Mead, NJ affordable?

Belle Mead is above average in cost of living, with an index of 233 — about 133% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Belle Mead?

Belle Mead has average high temperatures of 63.6°F and average lows of 41.4°F. Annual precipitation is 45.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Belle Mead at a Glance

Population
6,772
Median Income
$219,215
Home Value
$777,600
Median Rent
$2,645/mo
Unemployment
4.9%
Avg High Temp
63.6°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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