Cost of Living in Rockaway, NJ
Population 6,589 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Rockaway 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. At 8.5%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Rockaway sits roughly 20 miles west of Paterson. Median home values run roughly 28% higher than Paterson's $335,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Rockaway
The median home value in Rockaway is $427,800 — 40% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,496/month, 14% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $100,028/year is 34% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.5%, 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 62.4°F and lows of 43.8°F. Overall, Rockaway has a cost of living index of 130 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% more expensive.
Rockaway 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 38 | 41 | 49 | 62 | 72 | 81 | 85 | 84 | 76 | 65 | 53 | 43 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 31 | 41 | 51 | 60 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.04 | 2.55 | 4.07 | 3.71 | 3.39 | 4.27 | 4.33 | 4.49 | 3.72 | 3.97 | 3.30 | 4.04 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Rockaway, NJ?
Rockaway has a cost index of 130 (100 = national average). It is 30% above the national average.
What is average rent in Rockaway, NJ?
The median gross rent in Rockaway is $1,496 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Rockaway?
The median home value in Rockaway is $427,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Rockaway?
The median household income in Rockaway is $100,028 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Rockaway, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rockaway is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Rockaway, NJ affordable?
Rockaway is above average in cost of living, with an index of 130 — about 30% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Rockaway?
Rockaway has average high temperatures of 62.4°F and average lows of 43.8°F. Annual precipitation is 44.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Rockaway at a Glance
- Population
- 6,589
- Median Income
- $100,028
- Home Value
- $427,800
- Median Rent
- $1,496/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.4°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