Cost of Living in Upper Montclair, NJ
Population 12,279 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Upper Montclair run well above the national baseline, with a median of $968,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $250,001 place the city among the better-paid New Jersey metros.
Geographically, Upper Montclair sits roughly 5 miles southwest of Paterson. Median home values run roughly 189% higher than Paterson's $335,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Upper Montclair
The median home value in Upper Montclair is $968,200 — 217% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,290/month, 74% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.3%, 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 62.4°F and lows of 43.8°F. Overall, Upper Montclair has a cost of living index of 260 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 160% 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 | 38 | 41 | 49 | 62 | 72 | 81 | 85 | 84 | 76 | 65 | 53 | 43 |
| Low °F | 23 | 24 | 31 | 41 | 51 | 60 | 66 | 64 | 57 | 45 | 35 | 28 |
| Precip" | 3.04 | 2.55 | 4.07 | 3.71 | 3.39 | 4.27 | 4.33 | 4.49 | 3.72 | 3.97 | 3.30 | 4.04 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Upper Montclair, NJ?
Upper Montclair has a cost index of 260 (100 = national average). It is 160% above the national average.
What is average rent in Upper Montclair, NJ?
The median gross rent in Upper Montclair is $2,290 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Upper Montclair?
The median home value in Upper Montclair is $968,200 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Upper Montclair?
The median household income in Upper Montclair is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Upper Montclair, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Upper Montclair is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Upper Montclair, NJ affordable?
Upper Montclair is above average in cost of living, with an index of 260 — about 160% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Upper Montclair?
Upper Montclair has average high temperatures of 62.4°F and average lows of 43.8°F. Annual precipitation is 44.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Upper Montclair at a Glance
- Population
- 12,279
- Median Income
- $250,001
- Home Value
- $968,200
- Median Rent
- $2,290/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 62.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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