Cost of Living in Caldwell, NJ

Population 8,898 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

170
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Caldwell sits 85% above the national median — $563,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $101,196 (36% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Caldwell sits roughly 8 miles southwest of Paterson — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 68% higher than Paterson's $335,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 185
Rent 147

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

About the Cost of Living in Caldwell

The median home value in Caldwell is $563,000 — 85% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,937/month, 47% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $101,196/year is 36% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.0%, 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 62.4°F and lows of 43.8°F. Overall, Caldwell has a cost of living index of 170 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 70% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$563,000
85% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$509,934
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,937/mo
47% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,316/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.2x
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 45.4%
Renter-occupied 54.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,937
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,551/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
32.6 min
21% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
65.5%
Carpooled
4.8%
Public transit
4.8%
Walked
4.1%
Bicycle
0.2%
Work from home
19.7%

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
$101,196
36% above avg
Per Capita Income
$61,910
Unemployment Rate
4.0%
16% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.9%
Labor Force Participation
70.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 31.4%
Graduate degree 26.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.5
Male median age 38
Female median age 40.4

🌤 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 Caldwell, NJ?

Caldwell has a cost index of 170 (100 = national average). It is 70% above the national average.

What is average rent in Caldwell, NJ?

The median gross rent in Caldwell is $1,937 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Caldwell?

The median home value in Caldwell is $563,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Caldwell?

The median household income in Caldwell is $101,196 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Caldwell, NJ?

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

Is Caldwell, NJ affordable?

Caldwell is above average in cost of living, with an index of 170 — about 70% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Caldwell?

Caldwell 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.

Caldwell at a Glance

Population
8,898
Median Income
$101,196
Home Value
$563,000
Median Rent
$1,937/mo
Unemployment
4.0%
Avg High Temp
62.4°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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