Cost of Living in The Hills, NJ

Population 10,732 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

180
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Home prices in The Hills run well above the national baseline, with a median of $570,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $142,750 place the city among the better-paid New Jersey metros.

The Hills sits roughly 20 miles west of Elizabeth — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 45% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 187
Rent 170

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

About the Cost of Living in The Hills

The median home value in The Hills is $570,100 — 87% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,240/month, 70% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $142,750/year is 91% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.8%, below 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, The Hills has a cost of living index of 180 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 80% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$570,100
87% above avg
Median Rent
$2,240/mo
70% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
21.2x
Favors renting
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 83.4%
Renter-occupied 16.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,240
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,854/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
37.7 min
40% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
27.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
65.4%
Carpooled
3.0%
Public transit
3.2%
Walked
0.7%
Work from home
27.4%

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
$142,750
91% above avg
Per Capita Income
$90,760
Unemployment Rate
3.8%
21% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.4%
Labor Force Participation
70.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 36.5%
Graduate degree 38.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.9
Male median age 46
Female median age 48.8

🌤 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 The Hills, NJ?

The Hills has a cost index of 180 (100 = national average). It is 80% above the national average.

What is average rent in The Hills, NJ?

The median gross rent in The Hills is $2,240 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in The Hills?

The median home value in The Hills is $570,100 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in The Hills?

The median household income in The Hills is $142,750 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in The Hills, NJ?

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

Is The Hills, NJ affordable?

The Hills is above average in cost of living, with an index of 180 — about 80% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in The Hills?

The Hills 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.

The Hills at a Glance

Population
10,732
Median Income
$142,750
Home Value
$570,100
Median Rent
$2,240/mo
Unemployment
3.8%
Avg High Temp
63.6°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
View all cities in New Jersey →
🗺️ County data for New Jersey

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs