Cost of Living in Union City, NJ
Population 66,375 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Union City is a long average commute — 37 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost. Around 21% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Union City is part of the immediate Jersey City metro area — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 16% lower than Jersey City's $535,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Union City
The median home value in Union City is $446,800 — 46% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,489/month, 13% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,369/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.5%, 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 62.6°F and lows of 48.9°F, with about 29.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Union City has a cost of living index of 133 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% 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 | 40 | 42 | 50 | 62 | 71 | 80 | 85 | 83 | 76 | 65 | 54 | 44 |
| Low °F | 28 | 30 | 36 | 46 | 55 | 64 | 70 | 69 | 62 | 51 | 42 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.64 | 3.19 | 4.29 | 4.09 | 3.96 | 4.54 | 4.60 | 4.56 | 4.31 | 4.38 | 3.58 | 4.38 |
| Snow" | 8.8 | 10.1 | 5.0 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 4.9 |
💨 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 Union City, NJ?
Union City has a cost index of 133 (100 = national average). It is 33% above the national average.
What is average rent in Union City, NJ?
The median gross rent in Union City is $1,489 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Union City?
The median home value in Union City is $446,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Union City?
The median household income in Union City is $65,369 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Union City, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Union City is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Union City, NJ affordable?
Union City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 133 — about 33% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Union City?
Union City has average high temperatures of 62.6°F and average lows of 48.9°F. Annual precipitation is 49.5". Average annual snowfall is 29.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Union City at a Glance
- Population
- 66,375
- Median Income
- $65,369
- Home Value
- $446,800
- Median Rent
- $1,489/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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New Jersey Rankings
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