Cost of Living in Mountainside, NJ
Population 6,967 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Mountainside sits 148% above the national median — $756,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $210,100 (182% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.1% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Mountainside sits roughly 9 miles west of Elizabeth — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 92% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Mountainside
The median home value in Mountainside is $755,600 — 148% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $210,100/year is 182% 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 63.8°F and lows of 47.1°F, with about 31.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Mountainside has a cost of living index of 255 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 155% more expensive.
Mountainside 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 | 40 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 87 | 85 | 78 | 66 | 55 | 45 |
| Low °F | 26 | 27 | 34 | 44 | 54 | 64 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 49 | 39 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.42 | 2.98 | 4.13 | 3.87 | 3.97 | 4.34 | 4.66 | 4.15 | 3.82 | 3.79 | 3.33 | 4.14 |
| Snow" | 9.1 | 10.1 | 5.6 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 5.4 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Mountainside, NJ?
Mountainside has a cost index of 255 (100 = national average). It is 155% above the national average.
What is average rent in Mountainside, NJ?
The median gross rent in Mountainside is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Mountainside?
The median home value in Mountainside is $755,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Mountainside?
The median household income in Mountainside is $210,100 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Mountainside, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Mountainside is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Mountainside, NJ affordable?
Mountainside is above average in cost of living, with an index of 255 — about 155% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Mountainside?
Mountainside 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.
Mountainside at a Glance
- Population
- 6,967
- Median Income
- $210,100
- Home Value
- $755,600
- Median Rent
- $3,501/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Jersey Rankings
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