Cost of Living in Raritan, NJ

Population 8,192 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

147
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Raritan 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.

Located 25 miles west of Elizabeth, Raritan falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 14% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 147
Rent 147

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

About the Cost of Living in Raritan

The median home value in Raritan is $449,200 — 47% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,927/month, 47% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $103,699/year is 39% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 63.6°F and lows of 41.4°F. Overall, Raritan has a cost of living index of 147 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$449,200
47% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$257,303
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,927/mo
47% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,506/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.4x
Favors buying
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 53.4%
Renter-occupied 46.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,927
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,541/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
24.1 min
11% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
14.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
76.5%
Carpooled
5.3%
Public transit
1.8%
Walked
0.9%
Bicycle
0.0%
Work from home
14.1%

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
$103,699
39% above avg
Per Capita Income
$56,989
Unemployment Rate
5.4%
13% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.0%
Labor Force Participation
76.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 23.4%
Graduate degree 16.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.1
Male median age 41.8
Female median age 44.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.6°F
Avg Low
41.4°F
Annual Precip
45.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394351637381868478665544
Low °F 212230394858636154423326
Precip" 3.162.203.893.593.544.234.935.183.823.673.413.87

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Raritan, NJ?

Raritan has a cost index of 147 (100 = national average). It is 47% above the national average.

What is average rent in Raritan, NJ?

The median gross rent in Raritan is $1,927 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Raritan?

The median home value in Raritan is $449,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Raritan?

The median household income in Raritan is $103,699 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Raritan, NJ?

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

Is Raritan, NJ affordable?

Raritan is above average in cost of living, with an index of 147 — about 47% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Raritan?

Raritan has average high temperatures of 63.6°F and average lows of 41.4°F. Annual precipitation is 45.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Raritan at a Glance

Population
8,192
Median Income
$103,699
Home Value
$449,200
Median Rent
$1,927/mo
Unemployment
5.4%
Avg High Temp
63.6°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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