Cost of Living in Fanwood, NJ

Population 7,714 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

192
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Fanwood's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $611,000 for a typical home, 100% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $176,667 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.8% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Fanwood sits roughly 10 miles west of Elizabeth — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 55% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 200
Rent 180

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

About the Cost of Living in Fanwood

The median home value in Fanwood is $610,600 — 100% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,368/month, 80% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $176,667/year is 137% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%, 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 63.8°F and lows of 47.1°F, with about 31.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Fanwood has a cost of living index of 192 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 92% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$610,600
100% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$358,032
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,368/mo
80% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.5x
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 86.5%
Renter-occupied 13.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,368
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,982/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
44.9 min
66% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
24.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
58.5%
Carpooled
3.8%
Public transit
11.7%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
24.7%

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
$176,667
137% above avg
Per Capita Income
$71,378
Unemployment Rate
2.8%
41% below avg
Poverty Rate
1.4%
Labor Force Participation
71.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 44.5%
Graduate degree 26.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.4
Male median age 41.9
Female median age 42.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.8°F
Avg Low
47.1°F
Annual Precip
46.6"
Annual Snowfall
31.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637382878578665545
Low °F 262734445464696861493931
Precip" 3.422.984.133.873.974.344.664.153.823.793.334.14
Snow" 9.110.15.60.50.00.00.00.00.00.20.65.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate
44.7%
Good air days/yr
227
Max AQI recorded
329
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Fanwood, NJ?

Fanwood has a cost index of 192 (100 = national average). It is 92% above the national average.

What is average rent in Fanwood, NJ?

The median gross rent in Fanwood is $2,368 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Fanwood?

The median home value in Fanwood is $610,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Fanwood?

The median household income in Fanwood is $176,667 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Fanwood, NJ?

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

Is Fanwood, NJ affordable?

Fanwood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 192 — about 92% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Fanwood?

Fanwood has average high temperatures of 63.8°F and average lows of 47.1°F. Annual precipitation is 46.6". Average annual snowfall is 31.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Fanwood at a Glance

Population
7,714
Median Income
$176,667
Home Value
$610,600
Median Rent
$2,368/mo
Unemployment
2.8%
Avg High Temp
63.8°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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