Cost of Living in Highlands, NJ
Population 4,575 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Highlands sits on the smaller end of the New Jersey city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.6% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Highlands sits roughly 20 miles south of New York — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than New York's $752,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Highlands
The median home value in Highlands is $394,800 — 29% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,848/month, 41% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $90,082/year is 21% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.6%, 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 61.6°F and lows of 47.0°F, with about 25.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Highlands has a cost of living index of 134 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 34% more expensive.
Highlands 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 | 42 | 49 | 59 | 68 | 78 | 84 | 82 | 76 | 65 | 54 | 45 |
| Low °F | 26 | 27 | 34 | 43 | 53 | 62 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 50 | 40 | 32 |
| Precip" | 3.23 | 2.76 | 3.94 | 3.55 | 3.66 | 3.85 | 3.86 | 4.11 | 3.58 | 3.72 | 3.07 | 3.96 |
| Snow" | 7.5 | 8.6 | 4.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 4.5 |
💨 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 Highlands, NJ?
Highlands has a cost index of 134 (100 = national average). It is 34% above the national average.
What is average rent in Highlands, NJ?
The median gross rent in Highlands is $1,848 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Highlands?
The median home value in Highlands is $394,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Highlands?
The median household income in Highlands is $90,082 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Highlands, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Highlands is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Highlands, NJ affordable?
Highlands is above average in cost of living, with an index of 134 — about 34% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Highlands?
Highlands has average high temperatures of 61.6°F and average lows of 47.0°F. Annual precipitation is 43.3". Average annual snowfall is 25.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Highlands at a Glance
- Population
- 4,575
- Median Income
- $90,082
- Home Value
- $394,800
- Median Rent
- $1,848/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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