Cost of Living in Highland Lakes, NJ
Population 3,941 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Highland Lakes a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $291,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Highland Lakes sits roughly 25 miles northwest of Paterson. Median home values run roughly 13% lower than Paterson's $335,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Highland Lakes
The median home value in Highland Lakes is $291,200 — 5% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,862/month, 42% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $129,500/year is 74% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.2%, 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, Highland Lakes has a cost of living index of 114 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 14% more expensive.
Highland Lakes 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 | 36 | 39 | 48 | 61 | 71 | 80 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 51 | 41 |
| Low °F | 18 | 20 | 27 | 37 | 47 | 56 | 61 | 60 | 51 | 40 | 31 | 24 |
| Precip" | 2.63 | 2.16 | 3.20 | 3.43 | 3.73 | 3.68 | 4.06 | 3.93 | 3.83 | 4.23 | 2.97 | 3.10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Highland Lakes, NJ?
Highland Lakes has a cost index of 114 (100 = national average). It is 14% above the national average.
What is average rent in Highland Lakes, NJ?
The median gross rent in Highland Lakes is $1,862 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Highland Lakes?
The median home value in Highland Lakes is $291,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Highland Lakes?
The median household income in Highland Lakes is $129,500 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Highland Lakes, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Highland Lakes is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Highland Lakes, NJ affordable?
Highland Lakes is above average in cost of living, with an index of 114 — about 14% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Highland Lakes?
Highland Lakes 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.
Highland Lakes at a Glance
- Population
- 3,941
- Median Income
- $129,500
- Home Value
- $291,200
- Median Rent
- $1,862/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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