Cost of Living in Buena, NJ
Population 4,500 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buena is a smaller New Jersey community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $78,393 and housing costs ($249,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 12.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 35 miles south of Philadelphia, Buena falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Housing prices track closely with Philadelphia's $232,000 median.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Buena
The median home value in Buena is $249,100 — 18% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,138/month, 13% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,393/year is 5% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.2%, 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 64.6°F and lows of 43.9°F. Overall, Buena has a cost of living index of 84 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 16% less expensive.
Buena has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 45 | 52 | 64 | 73 | 82 | 86 | 84 | 78 | 67 | 56 | 47 |
| Low °F | 24 | 25 | 31 | 41 | 50 | 60 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.13 | 2.63 | 4.09 | 3.53 | 3.12 | 3.91 | 4.26 | 4.61 | 3.15 | 3.82 | 3.17 | 3.95 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Buena, NJ?
Buena has a cost index of 84 (100 = national average). It is 16% below the national average.
What is average rent in Buena, NJ?
The median gross rent in Buena is $1,138 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Buena?
The median home value in Buena is $249,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Buena?
The median household income in Buena is $78,393 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Buena, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Buena is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Buena, NJ affordable?
Yes, Buena is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 84 — about 16% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Buena?
Buena has average high temperatures of 64.6°F and average lows of 43.9°F. Annual precipitation is 43.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Buena at a Glance
- Population
- 4,500
- Median Income
- $78,393
- Home Value
- $249,100
- Median Rent
- $1,138/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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New Jersey Rankings
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