Cost of Living in Penns Grove, NJ
Population 4,860 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Penns Grove run well below national norms — a median of $43,889 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $170,000). A poverty rate near 36% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Penns Grove is about 25 miles southwest of Philadelphia, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 27% lower than Philadelphia's $232,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Penns Grove
The median home value in Penns Grove is $170,100 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,031/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,889/year is 41% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 16.9%, 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%. Overall, Penns Grove has a cost of living index of 65 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 35% less expensive.
Penns Grove 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Penns Grove, NJ?
Penns Grove has a cost index of 65 (100 = national average). It is 35% below the national average.
What is average rent in Penns Grove, NJ?
The median gross rent in Penns Grove is $1,031 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Penns Grove?
The median home value in Penns Grove is $170,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Penns Grove?
The median household income in Penns Grove is $43,889 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Penns Grove, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Penns Grove is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Penns Grove, NJ affordable?
Yes, Penns Grove is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 65 — about 35% below the US national average of 100.
Penns Grove at a Glance
- Population
- 4,860
- Median Income
- $43,889
- Home Value
- $170,100
- Median Rent
- $1,031/mo
- Unemployment
- 16.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Jersey Rankings
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