Cost of Living in Franklin Lakes, NJ

Population 11,011 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

341
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Franklin Lakes sits 299% above the national median — $1.2 million for the typical home — but median household incomes near $230,987 (210% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. An unemployment rate of 2.3% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 7 miles northwest of Paterson, Franklin Lakes falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 263% higher than Paterson's $335,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 399
Rent 254

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

About the Cost of Living in Franklin Lakes

The median home value in Franklin Lakes is $1,217,500 — 299% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,334/month, 154% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $230,987/year is 210% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.3%, 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, Franklin Lakes has a cost of living index of 341 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 241% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,217,500
299% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,503,991
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,334/mo
154% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
30.4x
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 88.3%
Renter-occupied 11.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,334
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,948/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
39.7 min
47% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
29.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
55.8%
Carpooled
4.7%
Public transit
6.3%
Walked
1.2%
Work from home
29.2%

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
$230,987
210% above avg
Per Capita Income
$110,566
Unemployment Rate
2.3%
53% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.2%
Labor Force Participation
57.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 42.7%
Graduate degree 36.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.9
Male median age 45
Female median age 48.6

🌤 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

💨 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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Franklin Lakes has a cost index of 341 (100 = national average). It is 241% above the national average.

What is average rent in Franklin Lakes, NJ?

The median gross rent in Franklin Lakes is $3,334 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Franklin Lakes?

The median home value in Franklin Lakes is $1,217,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Franklin Lakes?

The median household income in Franklin Lakes is $230,987 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Franklin Lakes, NJ?

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

Is Franklin Lakes, NJ affordable?

Franklin Lakes is above average in cost of living, with an index of 341 — about 241% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Franklin Lakes?

Franklin Lakes 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.

Franklin Lakes at a Glance

Population
11,011
Median Income
$230,987
Home Value
$1,217,500
Median Rent
$3,334/mo
Unemployment
2.3%
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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