Cost of Living in Montvale, NJ

Population 8,625 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

204
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Montvale sits 126% above the national median — $689,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $183,664 (146% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Geographically, Montvale sits roughly 11 miles northeast of Paterson. Median home values run roughly 105% higher than Paterson's $335,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 226
Rent 171

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

About the Cost of Living in Montvale

The median home value in Montvale is $688,500 — 126% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,241/month, 71% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $183,664/year is 146% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.4%, below 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 64.0°F and lows of 46.7°F. Overall, Montvale has a cost of living index of 204 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 104% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$688,500
126% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,467,472
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,241/mo
71% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.6x
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 84.1%
Renter-occupied 15.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,241
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,855/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
34.5 min
28% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
29.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
57.5%
Carpooled
6.7%
Public transit
5.3%
Walked
0.1%
Bicycle
0.8%
Work from home
29.6%

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
$183,664
146% above avg
Per Capita Income
$75,108
Unemployment Rate
4.4%
9% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.8%
Labor Force Participation
62.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.9%
Graduate degree 22.9%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.7
Male median age 39.5
Female median age 42.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
64.0°F
Avg Low
46.7°F
Annual Precip
46.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637382878578675645
Low °F 262734445363696760483831
Precip" 3.282.824.093.973.944.254.454.254.113.733.304.10

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 48 — Good
55.9%
Good air days/yr
197
Max AQI recorded
245
PM2.5 days
91
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

99%
4-Year Graduation Rate
11.7:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
2,984
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Montvale, NJ?

Montvale has a cost index of 204 (100 = national average). It is 104% above the national average.

What is average rent in Montvale, NJ?

The median gross rent in Montvale is $2,241 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Montvale?

The median home value in Montvale is $688,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Montvale?

The median household income in Montvale is $183,664 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Montvale, NJ?

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

Is Montvale, NJ affordable?

Montvale is above average in cost of living, with an index of 204 — about 104% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Montvale?

Montvale has average high temperatures of 64.0°F and average lows of 46.7°F. Annual precipitation is 46.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Montvale at a Glance

Population
8,625
Median Income
$183,664
Home Value
$688,500
Median Rent
$2,241/mo
Unemployment
4.4%
Avg High Temp
64.0°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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