Cost of Living in Spotswood, NJ
Population 8,112 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Spotswood is a smaller New Jersey community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $101,388 and housing costs ($359,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 9.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Spotswood sits roughly 20 miles southwest of Elizabeth — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 9% lower than Elizabeth's $394,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Spotswood
The median home value in Spotswood is $359,000 — 18% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,097/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $101,388/year is 36% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.6%, 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, Spotswood has a cost of living index of 104 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 4% more expensive.
Spotswood 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 | 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 Spotswood, NJ?
Spotswood has a cost index of 104 (100 = national average). It is 4% above the national average.
What is average rent in Spotswood, NJ?
The median gross rent in Spotswood is $1,097 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Spotswood?
The median home value in Spotswood is $359,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Spotswood?
The median household income in Spotswood is $101,388 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Spotswood, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Spotswood is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Spotswood, NJ affordable?
Spotswood is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 104 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Spotswood?
Spotswood 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.
Spotswood at a Glance
- Population
- 8,112
- Median Income
- $101,388
- Home Value
- $359,000
- Median Rent
- $1,097/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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