Cost of Living in Port Reading, NJ

Population 3,775 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

136
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Port Reading sits on the smaller end of the New Jersey city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.

Geographically, Port Reading sits roughly 7 miles southwest of Elizabeth. Housing prices track closely with Elizabeth's $394,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 136

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

About the Cost of Living in Port Reading

The median home value in Port Reading is $414,900 — 36% above the national median of $305,000. The median household income of $142,986/year is 92% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.7%, 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, Port Reading has a cost of living index of 136 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$414,900
36% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$224,352
Zillow ZHVI
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 93.2%
Renter-occupied 6.8%

🛒 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
35.5 min
31% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.2%
Carpooled
9.3%
Public transit
7.0%
Walked
0.8%
Work from home
5.9%

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
$142,986
92% above avg
Per Capita Income
$45,257
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
2% below avg
Poverty Rate
1.8%
Labor Force Participation
72.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.5%
Graduate degree 6.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40
Male median age 34
Female median age 45

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.8°F
Avg Low
47.1°F
Annual Precip
46.6"
Annual Snowfall
31.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637382878578665545
Low °F 262734445464696861493931
Precip" 3.422.984.133.873.974.344.664.153.823.793.334.14
Snow" 9.110.15.60.50.00.00.00.00.00.20.65.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 44 — Good
62.7%
Good air days/yr
247
Max AQI recorded
194
PM2.5 days
160
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Port Reading, NJ?

Port Reading has a cost index of 136 (100 = national average). It is 36% above the national average.

What is the average home price in Port Reading?

The median home value in Port Reading is $414,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Port Reading?

The median household income in Port Reading is $142,986 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Port Reading, NJ?

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

Is Port Reading, NJ affordable?

Port Reading is above average in cost of living, with an index of 136 — about 36% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Port Reading?

Port Reading 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.

Port Reading at a Glance

Population
3,775
Median Income
$142,986
Home Value
$414,900
Unemployment
4.7%
Avg High Temp
63.8°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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🗺️ County data for New Jersey

Explore county-level cost of living data

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