Cost of Living in Lakewood, NJ
Population 69,884 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
$618,000 is the going rate for a typical Lakewood home, 103% over the national median. Rents of $1,647/month track the same premium. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 6.8% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Geographically, Lakewood is about 40 miles south of Elizabeth, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 57% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lakewood
The median home value in Lakewood is $618,400 — 103% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,647/month, 25% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $57,576/year is 23% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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 63.4°F and lows of 44.8°F, with about 26.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lakewood has a cost of living index of 172 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 72% 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 | 72 | 81 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 66 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 24 | 26 | 33 | 42 | 52 | 61 | 67 | 65 | 58 | 46 | 36 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.29 | 2.65 | 4.00 | 3.63 | 3.99 | 4.35 | 4.42 | 4.22 | 4.05 | 3.79 | 3.20 | 4.04 |
| Snow" | 8.2 | 8.7 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 4.6 |
💨 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 Lakewood, NJ?
Lakewood has a cost index of 172 (100 = national average). It is 72% above the national average.
What is average rent in Lakewood, NJ?
The median gross rent in Lakewood is $1,647 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lakewood?
The median home value in Lakewood is $618,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Lakewood?
The median household income in Lakewood is $57,576 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lakewood, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lakewood is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Lakewood, NJ affordable?
Lakewood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 172 — about 72% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Lakewood?
Lakewood has average high temperatures of 63.4°F and average lows of 44.8°F. Annual precipitation is 45.6". Average annual snowfall is 26.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lakewood at a Glance
- Population
- 69,884
- Median Income
- $57,576
- Home Value
- $618,400
- Median Rent
- $1,647/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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