Cost of Living in Ridgewood, NJ
Population 26,076 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Ridgewood run well above the national baseline, with a median of $883,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $217,250 place the city among the better-paid New Jersey metros.
Geographically, Ridgewood sits roughly 5 miles northeast of Paterson. Median home values run roughly 163% higher than Paterson's $335,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ridgewood
The median home value in Ridgewood is $882,700 — 189% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,340/month, 78% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $217,250/year is 191% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, 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 64.0°F and lows of 46.7°F. Overall, Ridgewood has a cost of living index of 245 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 145% more expensive.
🏠 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 | 67 | 56 | 45 |
| Low °F | 26 | 27 | 34 | 44 | 53 | 63 | 69 | 67 | 60 | 48 | 38 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.28 | 2.82 | 4.09 | 3.97 | 3.94 | 4.25 | 4.45 | 4.25 | 4.11 | 3.73 | 3.30 | 4.10 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ridgewood, NJ?
Ridgewood has a cost index of 245 (100 = national average). It is 145% above the national average.
What is average rent in Ridgewood, NJ?
The median gross rent in Ridgewood is $2,340 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ridgewood?
The median home value in Ridgewood is $882,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ridgewood?
The median household income in Ridgewood is $217,250 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ridgewood, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ridgewood is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Ridgewood, NJ affordable?
Ridgewood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 245 — about 145% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Ridgewood?
Ridgewood has average high temperatures of 64.0°F and average lows of 46.7°F. Annual precipitation is 46.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Ridgewood at a Glance
- Population
- 26,076
- Median Income
- $217,250
- Home Value
- $882,700
- Median Rent
- $2,340/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 64.0°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