Cost of Living in Franklin, NJ

Population 4,938 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

91
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Franklin is a smaller New Jersey community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $90,152 and housing costs ($253,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 25 miles northwest of Paterson, Franklin falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 25% lower than Paterson's $335,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 83
Rent 102

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

About the Cost of Living in Franklin

The median home value in Franklin is $253,100 — 17% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,340/month, 2% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,152/year is 21% 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 60.9°F and lows of 39.2°F. Overall, Franklin has a cost of living index of 91 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$253,100
17% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$428,844
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,340/mo
2% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.7x
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 57.0%
Renter-occupied 43.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,340
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,954/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
39.0 min
44% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.9%
Carpooled
11.3%
Public transit
0.6%
Walked
1.2%
Work from home
4.0%

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
$90,152
21% above avg
Per Capita Income
$42,217
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
47% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
Labor Force Participation
64.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.4%
Graduate degree 6.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 51.6
Male median age 53.2
Female median age 49.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.9°F
Avg Low
39.2°F
Annual Precip
41"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 363948617180848275645141
Low °F 182027374756616051403124
Precip" 2.632.163.203.433.733.684.063.933.834.232.973.10

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Franklin, NJ?

Franklin has a cost index of 91 (100 = national average). It is 9% below the national average.

What is average rent in Franklin, NJ?

The median gross rent in Franklin is $1,340 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Franklin?

The median home value in Franklin is $253,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Franklin?

The median household income in Franklin is $90,152 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Franklin, NJ?

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

Is Franklin, NJ affordable?

Franklin is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 91 (100 = US average).

What is the weather like in Franklin?

Franklin has average high temperatures of 60.9°F and average lows of 39.2°F. Annual precipitation is 41". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Franklin at a Glance

Population
4,938
Median Income
$90,152
Home Value
$253,100
Median Rent
$1,340/mo
Unemployment
7.1%
Avg High Temp
60.9°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
View all cities in New Jersey →
🗺️ County data for New Jersey

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs