Cost of Living in Mountain Lakes, NJ
Population 4,535 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Mountain Lakes's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $915,000 for a typical home, 200% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $250,001 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.1% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 15 miles west of Paterson, Mountain Lakes falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 173% higher than Paterson's $335,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mountain Lakes
The median home value in Mountain Lakes is $915,100 — 200% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,941/month, 124% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.1%, 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 62.4°F and lows of 43.8°F. Overall, Mountain Lakes has a cost of living index of 270 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 170% more expensive.
Mountain Lakes 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 | 38 | 41 | 49 | 62 | 72 | 81 | 85 | 84 | 76 | 65 | 53 | 43 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 31 | 41 | 51 | 60 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.04 | 2.55 | 4.07 | 3.71 | 3.39 | 4.27 | 4.33 | 4.49 | 3.72 | 3.97 | 3.30 | 4.04 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mountain Lakes, NJ?
Mountain Lakes has a cost index of 270 (100 = national average). It is 170% above the national average.
What is average rent in Mountain Lakes, NJ?
The median gross rent in Mountain Lakes is $2,941 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mountain Lakes?
The median home value in Mountain Lakes is $915,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mountain Lakes?
The median household income in Mountain Lakes is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mountain Lakes, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mountain Lakes is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Mountain Lakes, NJ affordable?
Mountain Lakes is above average in cost of living, with an index of 270 — about 170% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Mountain Lakes?
Mountain Lakes has average high temperatures of 62.4°F and average lows of 43.8°F. Annual precipitation is 44.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Mountain Lakes at a Glance
- Population
- 4,535
- Median Income
- $250,001
- Home Value
- $915,100
- Median Rent
- $2,941/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Jersey Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs