Cost of Living in Bernardsville, NJ

Population 7,871 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

211
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Bernardsville sits 142% above the national median — $738,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $231,006 (210% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Located 20 miles west of Elizabeth, Bernardsville falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 87% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 242
Rent 164

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

About the Cost of Living in Bernardsville

The median home value in Bernardsville is $737,600 — 142% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,155/month, 64% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $231,006/year is 210% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, below 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, Bernardsville has a cost of living index of 211 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 111% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$737,600
142% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$211,454
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,155/mo
64% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
28.5x
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 90.0%
Renter-occupied 10.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,155
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,769/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
29.8 min
10% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
23.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
60.9%
Carpooled
3.8%
Public transit
3.8%
Walked
6.5%
Work from home
23.3%

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
$231,006
210% above avg
Per Capita Income
$106,981
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
23% below avg
Poverty Rate
1.0%
Labor Force Participation
70.9%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 41.6%
Graduate degree 27.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.2
Male median age 39.7
Female median age 43.7

🌤 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

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

94%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.1:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
1,953
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Bernardsville, NJ?

Bernardsville has a cost index of 211 (100 = national average). It is 111% above the national average.

What is average rent in Bernardsville, NJ?

The median gross rent in Bernardsville is $2,155 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Bernardsville?

The median home value in Bernardsville is $737,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Bernardsville?

The median household income in Bernardsville is $231,006 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Bernardsville, NJ?

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

Is Bernardsville, NJ affordable?

Bernardsville is above average in cost of living, with an index of 211 — about 111% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Bernardsville?

Bernardsville 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.

Bernardsville at a Glance

Population
7,871
Median Income
$231,006
Home Value
$737,600
Median Rent
$2,155/mo
Unemployment
3.7%
Avg High Temp
63.6°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
View all cities in New Jersey →
🗺️ County data for New Jersey

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs