Cost of Living in Emerson, NJ

Population 7,263 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

182
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Emerson sits 105% above the national median — $626,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $153,963 (106% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. At 7.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Emerson sits roughly 8 miles west of Yonkers — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 31% higher than Yonkers' $478,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 205
Rent 147

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

About the Cost of Living in Emerson

The median home value in Emerson is $626,000 — 105% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,926/month, 47% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $153,963/year is 106% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.1%, 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 64.0°F and lows of 46.7°F. Overall, Emerson has a cost of living index of 182 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 82% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$626,000
105% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$450,832
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,926/mo
47% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
27.1x
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 89.1%
Renter-occupied 10.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,926
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,540/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
32.3 min
20% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
16.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.5%
Carpooled
4.2%
Public transit
6.7%
Walked
3.7%
Bicycle
0.9%
Work from home
16.1%

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
$153,963
106% above avg
Per Capita Income
$68,008
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
47% above avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
Labor Force Participation
67.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 37.0%
Graduate degree 18.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 47.9
Male median age 50.1
Female median age 47.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
64.0°F
Avg Low
46.7°F
Annual Precip
46.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637382878578675645
Low °F 262734445363696760483831
Precip" 3.282.824.093.973.944.254.454.254.113.733.304.10

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 48 — Good
55.9%
Good air days/yr
197
Max AQI recorded
245
PM2.5 days
91
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
11.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
1,127
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Emerson, NJ?

Emerson has a cost index of 182 (100 = national average). It is 82% above the national average.

What is average rent in Emerson, NJ?

The median gross rent in Emerson is $1,926 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Emerson?

The median home value in Emerson is $626,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Emerson?

The median household income in Emerson is $153,963 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Emerson, NJ?

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

Is Emerson, NJ affordable?

Emerson is above average in cost of living, with an index of 182 — about 82% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Emerson?

Emerson has average high temperatures of 64.0°F and average lows of 46.7°F. Annual precipitation is 46.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Emerson at a Glance

Population
7,263
Median Income
$153,963
Home Value
$626,000
Median Rent
$1,926/mo
Unemployment
7.1%
Avg High Temp
64.0°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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