Cost of Living in Union Beach, NJ

Population 5,722 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

149
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 Union Beach a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $453,000.

Geographically, Union Beach sits roughly 15 miles south of Elizabeth. Median home values run roughly 15% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 148
Rent 149

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

About the Cost of Living in Union Beach

The median home value in Union Beach is $452,900 — 48% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,957/month, 49% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $128,400/year is 72% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.1%, 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 63.8°F and lows of 47.1°F, with about 31.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Union Beach has a cost of living index of 149 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$452,900
48% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$432,288
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,957/mo
49% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.3x
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 88.3%
Renter-occupied 11.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,957
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,571/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
34.1 min
26% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.5%
Carpooled
10.3%
Public transit
6.0%
Walked
0.0%
Work from home
4.9%

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
$128,400
72% above avg
Per Capita Income
$54,400
Unemployment Rate
3.1%
35% below avg
Poverty Rate
1.7%
Labor Force Participation
79.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.7%
Graduate degree 13.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 43.7
Male median age 40.7
Female median age 45.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
63.8°F
Avg Low
47.1°F
Annual Precip
46.6"
Annual Snowfall
31.5"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637382878578665545
Low °F 262734445464696861493931
Precip" 3.422.984.133.873.974.344.664.153.823.793.334.14
Snow" 9.110.15.60.50.00.00.00.00.00.20.65.4

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 39 — Good
85%
Good air days/yr
140
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
247
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Union Beach, NJ?

Union Beach has a cost index of 149 (100 = national average). It is 49% above the national average.

What is average rent in Union Beach, NJ?

The median gross rent in Union Beach is $1,957 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Union Beach?

The median home value in Union Beach is $452,900 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Union Beach?

The median household income in Union Beach is $128,400 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Union Beach, NJ?

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

Is Union Beach, NJ affordable?

Union Beach is above average in cost of living, with an index of 149 — about 49% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Union Beach?

Union Beach has average high temperatures of 63.8°F and average lows of 47.1°F. Annual precipitation is 46.6". Average annual snowfall is 31.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Union Beach at a Glance

Population
5,722
Median Income
$128,400
Home Value
$452,900
Median Rent
$1,957/mo
Unemployment
3.1%
Avg High Temp
63.8°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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