Cost of Living in Kenilworth, NJ

Population 8,339 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

167
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Kenilworth 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 — 7.1% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Kenilworth sits roughly 5 miles west of Elizabeth. Median home values run roughly 32% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 171
Rent 161

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

About the Cost of Living in Kenilworth

The median home value in Kenilworth is $521,100 — 71% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,119/month, 61% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $126,295/year is 69% 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 63.8°F and lows of 47.1°F, with about 31.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Kenilworth has a cost of living index of 167 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 67% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$521,100
71% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,177,902
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,119/mo
61% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.5x
Favors renting
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 72.8%
Renter-occupied 27.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,119
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,733/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
27.6 min
2% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.1%
Carpooled
6.9%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
1.3%
Work from home
4.9%

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
$126,295
69% above avg
Per Capita Income
$55,278
Unemployment Rate
7.1%
47% above avg
Poverty Rate
6.0%
Labor Force Participation
75.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.6%
Graduate degree 10.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.6
Male median age 42.3
Female median age 36.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.8°F
Avg Low
47.1°F
Annual Precip
46.6"
Annual Snowfall
31.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637382878578665545
Low °F 262734445464696861493931
Precip" 3.422.984.133.873.974.344.664.153.823.793.334.14
Snow" 9.110.15.60.50.00.00.00.00.00.20.65.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate
44.7%
Good air days/yr
227
Max AQI recorded
329
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
11.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
2
Public schools
1,455
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Kenilworth, NJ?

Kenilworth has a cost index of 167 (100 = national average). It is 67% above the national average.

What is average rent in Kenilworth, NJ?

The median gross rent in Kenilworth is $2,119 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Kenilworth?

The median home value in Kenilworth is $521,100 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Kenilworth?

The median household income in Kenilworth is $126,295 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Kenilworth, NJ?

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

Is Kenilworth, NJ affordable?

Kenilworth is above average in cost of living, with an index of 167 — about 67% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Kenilworth?

Kenilworth 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.

Kenilworth at a Glance

Population
8,339
Median Income
$126,295
Home Value
$521,100
Median Rent
$2,119/mo
Unemployment
7.1%
Avg High Temp
63.8°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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