Cost of Living in Franklin Center, NJ

Population 5,770 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

190
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Franklin Center's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $565,000 for a typical home, 85% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $138,643 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Geographically, Franklin Center sits roughly 20 miles west of Elizabeth. Median home values run roughly 44% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 185
Rent 197

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

About the Cost of Living in Franklin Center

The median home value in Franklin Center is $565,200 — 85% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,588/month, 97% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $138,643/year is 86% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.8%, 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 63.6°F and lows of 41.4°F. Overall, Franklin Center has a cost of living index of 190 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 90% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$565,200
85% above avg
Median Rent
$2,588/mo
97% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.2x
Favors buying
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 69.4%
Renter-occupied 30.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,588
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,202/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
38.6 min
43% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
29.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
56.8%
Carpooled
10.0%
Public transit
3.6%
Walked
0.0%
Work from home
29.6%

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
$138,643
86% above avg
Per Capita Income
$78,490
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
1% above avg
Poverty Rate
5.6%
Labor Force Participation
58.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.6%
Graduate degree 34.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 56.4
Male median age 53.6
Female median age 59.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.6°F
Avg Low
41.4°F
Annual Precip
45.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394351637381868478665544
Low °F 212230394858636154423326
Precip" 3.162.203.893.593.544.234.935.183.823.673.413.87

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Franklin Center, NJ?

Franklin Center has a cost index of 190 (100 = national average). It is 90% above the national average.

What is average rent in Franklin Center, NJ?

The median gross rent in Franklin Center is $2,588 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Franklin Center?

The median home value in Franklin Center is $565,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Franklin Center?

The median household income in Franklin Center is $138,643 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Franklin Center, NJ?

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

Is Franklin Center, NJ affordable?

Franklin Center is above average in cost of living, with an index of 190 — about 90% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Franklin Center?

Franklin Center has average high temperatures of 63.6°F and average lows of 41.4°F. Annual precipitation is 45.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Franklin Center at a Glance

Population
5,770
Median Income
$138,643
Home Value
$565,200
Median Rent
$2,588/mo
Unemployment
4.8%
Avg High Temp
63.6°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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