Cost of Living in Rio Grande, NJ

Population 3,285 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

107
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Rio Grande a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $312,000. At 13.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Rio Grande is about 70 miles south 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 34% higher than Philadelphia's $232,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 102
Rent 113

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

About the Cost of Living in Rio Grande

The median home value in Rio Grande is $311,900 — 2% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,486/month, 13% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $97,590/year is 31% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 13.2%, 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, Rio Grande has a cost of living index of 107 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 7% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$311,900
2% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$207,594
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,486/mo
13% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.5x
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 75.9%
Renter-occupied 24.1%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,486
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,100/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
17.1 min
37% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
71.8%
Carpooled
5.0%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
7.2%
Work from home
8.2%

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
$97,590
31% above avg
Per Capita Income
$49,391
Unemployment Rate
13.2%
175% above avg
Poverty Rate
9.9%
Labor Force Participation
52.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.6%
Graduate degree 16.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 51.6
Male median age 54.1
Female median age 51.4

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rio Grande, NJ?

Rio Grande has a cost index of 107 (100 = national average). It is 7% above the national average.

What is average rent in Rio Grande, NJ?

The median gross rent in Rio Grande is $1,486 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rio Grande?

The median home value in Rio Grande is $311,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Rio Grande?

The median household income in Rio Grande is $97,590 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rio Grande, NJ?

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

Is Rio Grande, NJ affordable?

Rio Grande is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 107 (100 = US average).

Rio Grande at a Glance

Population
3,285
Median Income
$97,590
Home Value
$311,900
Median Rent
$1,486/mo
Unemployment
13.2%
Sales Tax
6.6%
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