Cost of Living in Hackensack, NJ
Population 45,768 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Hackensack cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $370,000, rents near $1,794 a month. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.5% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Hackensack sits roughly 6 miles east of Paterson. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Paterson's $335,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Hackensack
The median home value in Hackensack is $370,300 — 21% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,794/month, 37% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,212/year is 10% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.5%, 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 64.0°F and lows of 46.7°F. Overall, Hackensack has a cost of living index of 127 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 27% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 67 | 56 | 45 |
| Low °F | 26 | 27 | 34 | 44 | 53 | 63 | 69 | 67 | 60 | 48 | 38 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.28 | 2.82 | 4.09 | 3.97 | 3.94 | 4.25 | 4.45 | 4.25 | 4.11 | 3.73 | 3.30 | 4.10 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Hackensack, NJ?
Hackensack has a cost index of 127 (100 = national average). It is 27% above the national average.
What is average rent in Hackensack, NJ?
The median gross rent in Hackensack is $1,794 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Hackensack?
The median home value in Hackensack is $370,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Hackensack?
The median household income in Hackensack is $82,212 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Hackensack, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Hackensack is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Hackensack, NJ affordable?
Hackensack is above average in cost of living, with an index of 127 — about 27% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Hackensack?
Hackensack has average high temperatures of 64.0°F and average lows of 46.7°F. Annual precipitation is 46.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Hackensack at a Glance
- Population
- 45,768
- Median Income
- $82,212
- Home Value
- $370,300
- Median Rent
- $1,794/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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New Jersey Rankings
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