Cost of Living in South Bound Brook, NJ

Population 4,833 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

123
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 South Bound Brook a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $345,000. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 20 miles west of Elizabeth, South Bound Brook falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 12% lower than Elizabeth's $394,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 113
Rent 139

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

About the Cost of Living in South Bound Brook

The median home value in South Bound Brook is $345,300 — 13% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,822/month, 39% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $102,019/year is 37% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.4%, 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, South Bound Brook has a cost of living index of 123 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 23% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$345,300
13% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$211,923
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,822/mo
39% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
15.8x
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 56.8%
Renter-occupied 43.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,822
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,436/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
29.1 min
8% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
9.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
74.1%
Carpooled
11.2%
Public transit
1.8%
Work from home
9.0%

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
$102,019
37% above avg
Per Capita Income
$37,783
Unemployment Rate
9.4%
95% above avg
Poverty Rate
16.4%
Labor Force Participation
76.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 18.4%
Graduate degree 5.6%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 35.4
Male median age 34.3
Female median age 36

🌤 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 South Bound Brook, NJ?

South Bound Brook has a cost index of 123 (100 = national average). It is 23% above the national average.

What is average rent in South Bound Brook, NJ?

The median gross rent in South Bound Brook is $1,822 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in South Bound Brook?

The median home value in South Bound Brook is $345,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in South Bound Brook?

The median household income in South Bound Brook is $102,019 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in South Bound Brook, NJ?

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

Is South Bound Brook, NJ affordable?

South Bound Brook is above average in cost of living, with an index of 123 — about 23% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in South Bound Brook?

South Bound Brook 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.

South Bound Brook at a Glance

Population
4,833
Median Income
$102,019
Home Value
$345,300
Median Rent
$1,822/mo
Unemployment
9.4%
Avg High Temp
63.6°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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