Cost of Living in Garwood, NJ
Population 4,688 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Garwood a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $510,000.
Garwood sits roughly 7 miles west of Elizabeth — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 30% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Garwood
The median home value in Garwood is $509,800 — 67% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,603/month, 22% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $100,948/year is 35% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.0%, 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 63.8°F and lows of 47.1°F, with about 31.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Garwood has a cost of living index of 149 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% more expensive.
Garwood has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 87 | 85 | 78 | 66 | 55 | 45 |
| Low °F | 26 | 27 | 34 | 44 | 54 | 64 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 49 | 39 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.42 | 2.98 | 4.13 | 3.87 | 3.97 | 4.34 | 4.66 | 4.15 | 3.82 | 3.79 | 3.33 | 4.14 |
| Snow" | 9.1 | 10.1 | 5.6 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 5.4 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Garwood, NJ?
Garwood has a cost index of 149 (100 = national average). It is 49% above the national average.
What is average rent in Garwood, NJ?
The median gross rent in Garwood is $1,603 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Garwood?
The median home value in Garwood is $509,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Garwood?
The median household income in Garwood is $100,948 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Garwood, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Garwood is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Garwood, NJ affordable?
Garwood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 149 — about 49% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Garwood?
Garwood 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.
Garwood at a Glance
- Population
- 4,688
- Median Income
- $100,948
- Home Value
- $509,800
- Median Rent
- $1,603/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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