Cost of Living in South Plainfield, NJ
Population 24,231 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
South Plainfield is a smaller New Jersey community of around 24000 residents, where median household incomes of $126,063 and housing costs ($444,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 7.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
South Plainfield sits roughly 13 miles southwest of Elizabeth — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 13% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in South Plainfield
The median home value in South Plainfield is $443,900 — 46% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,928/month, 47% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $126,063/year is 69% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 63.6°F and lows of 41.4°F. Overall, South Plainfield has a cost of living index of 146 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% 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 | 39 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 73 | 81 | 86 | 84 | 78 | 66 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 21 | 22 | 30 | 39 | 48 | 58 | 63 | 61 | 54 | 42 | 33 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.16 | 2.20 | 3.89 | 3.59 | 3.54 | 4.23 | 4.93 | 5.18 | 3.82 | 3.67 | 3.41 | 3.87 |
💨 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 South Plainfield, NJ?
South Plainfield has a cost index of 146 (100 = national average). It is 46% above the national average.
What is average rent in South Plainfield, NJ?
The median gross rent in South Plainfield is $1,928 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in South Plainfield?
The median home value in South Plainfield is $443,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in South Plainfield?
The median household income in South Plainfield is $126,063 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in South Plainfield, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in South Plainfield is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is South Plainfield, NJ affordable?
South Plainfield is above average in cost of living, with an index of 146 — about 46% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in South Plainfield?
South Plainfield 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 Plainfield at a Glance
- Population
- 24,231
- Median Income
- $126,063
- Home Value
- $443,900
- Median Rent
- $1,928/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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New Jersey Rankings
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