Cost of Living in Long Branch, NJ

Population 32,184 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

155
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of Long Branch's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $73,381 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. At 7.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Geographically, Long Branch is about 25 miles south of New York, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 31% lower than New York's $752,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 170
Rent 133

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

About the Cost of Living in Long Branch

The median home value in Long Branch is $519,000 — 70% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,744/month, 33% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,381/year is 2% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, 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 61.6°F and lows of 47.0°F, with about 25.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Long Branch has a cost of living index of 155 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 55% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$519,000
70% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$782,331
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,744/mo
33% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,773/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
24.8x
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 41.3%
Renter-occupied 58.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,744
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,358/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
33.7 min
25% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
56.0%
Carpooled
23.5%
Public transit
4.8%
Walked
2.4%
Bicycle
0.8%
Work from home
8.3%

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
$73,381
2% below avg
Per Capita Income
$41,238
Unemployment Rate
7.2%
51% above avg
Poverty Rate
16.2%
Labor Force Participation
66.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.9%
Graduate degree 14.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.4
Male median age 34.2
Female median age 37.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.6°F
Avg Low
47.0°F
Annual Precip
43.3"
Annual Snowfall
25.9"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404249596878848276655445
Low °F 262734435362696861504032
Precip" 3.232.763.943.553.663.853.864.113.583.723.073.96
Snow" 7.58.64.30.60.00.00.00.00.00.00.44.5

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 39 — Good
85%
Good air days/yr
140
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
247
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

90%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.1:1
Student-teacher ratio
8
Public schools
5,853
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Long Branch, NJ?

Long Branch has a cost index of 155 (100 = national average). It is 55% above the national average.

What is average rent in Long Branch, NJ?

The median gross rent in Long Branch is $1,744 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Long Branch?

The median home value in Long Branch is $519,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Long Branch?

The median household income in Long Branch is $73,381 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Long Branch, NJ?

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

Is Long Branch, NJ affordable?

Long Branch is above average in cost of living, with an index of 155 — about 55% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Long Branch?

Long Branch 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.

Long Branch at a Glance

Population
32,184
Median Income
$73,381
Home Value
$519,000
Median Rent
$1,744/mo
Unemployment
7.2%
Avg High Temp
61.6°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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