Cost of Living in Union, NJ
Population 3,284 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Union a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $452,000. At 16.1%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located <5 miles west of Elizabeth, Union falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 15% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Union
The median home value in Union is $451,500 — 48% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,695/month, 29% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $127,411/year is 71% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 16.1%, 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 63.8°F and lows of 47.1°F, with about 31.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Union has a cost of living index of 140 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% more expensive.
Union 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 | 40 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 87 | 85 | 78 | 66 | 55 | 45 |
| Low °F | 26 | 27 | 34 | 44 | 54 | 64 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 49 | 39 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.42 | 2.98 | 4.13 | 3.87 | 3.97 | 4.34 | 4.66 | 4.15 | 3.82 | 3.79 | 3.33 | 4.14 |
| Snow" | 9.1 | 10.1 | 5.6 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 5.4 |
💨 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, NJ?
Union has a cost index of 140 (100 = national average). It is 40% above the national average.
What is average rent in Union, NJ?
The median gross rent in Union is $1,695 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Union?
The median home value in Union is $451,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Union?
The median household income in Union is $127,411 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Union, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Union is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Union, NJ affordable?
Union is above average in cost of living, with an index of 140 — about 40% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Union?
Union 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 at a Glance
- Population
- 3,284
- Median Income
- $127,411
- Home Value
- $451,500
- Median Rent
- $1,695/mo
- Unemployment
- 16.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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