Cost of Living in Brookdale, NJ

Population 10,044 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

155
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Brookdale a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $527,000.

Brookdale sits roughly 6 miles south of Paterson — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 57% higher than Paterson's $335,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 173
Rent 129

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

About the Cost of Living in Brookdale

The median home value in Brookdale is $527,200 — 73% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,698/month, 29% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $150,489/year is 102% 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 62.4°F and lows of 43.8°F. Overall, Brookdale has a cost of living index of 155 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$527,200
73% above avg
Median Rent
$1,698/mo
29% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.9x
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 88.1%
Renter-occupied 11.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,698
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,312/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
37.8 min
40% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
22.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
53.5%
Carpooled
10.8%
Public transit
11.6%
Walked
1.0%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
22.4%

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
$150,489
102% above avg
Per Capita Income
$58,405
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
3% above avg
Poverty Rate
2.8%
Labor Force Participation
70.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 39.0%
Graduate degree 22.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.1
Male median age 38.5
Female median age 36.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
62.4°F
Avg Low
43.8°F
Annual Precip
44.9"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 384149627281858476655343
Low °F 232431415160666457453528
Precip" 3.042.554.073.713.394.274.334.493.723.973.304.04

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Brookdale, NJ?

Brookdale has a cost index of 155 (100 = national average). It is 55% above the national average.

What is average rent in Brookdale, NJ?

The median gross rent in Brookdale is $1,698 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Brookdale?

The median home value in Brookdale is $527,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Brookdale?

The median household income in Brookdale is $150,489 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Brookdale, NJ?

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

Is Brookdale, NJ affordable?

Brookdale is above average in cost of living, with an index of 155 — about 55% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Brookdale?

Brookdale has average high temperatures of 62.4°F and average lows of 43.8°F. Annual precipitation is 44.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Brookdale at a Glance

Population
10,044
Median Income
$150,489
Home Value
$527,200
Median Rent
$1,698/mo
Unemployment
5.0%
Avg High Temp
62.4°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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