Cost of Living in Watchung, NJ
Population 6,429 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Watchung sits 173% above the national median — $833,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $166,536 (123% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 8.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Watchung sits roughly 13 miles west of Elizabeth — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 112% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Watchung
The median home value in Watchung is $833,300 — 173% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,571/month, 96% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $166,536/year is 123% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.0%, 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 63.6°F and lows of 41.4°F. Overall, Watchung has a cost of living index of 242 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 142% more expensive.
Watchung 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 | 39 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 73 | 81 | 86 | 84 | 78 | 66 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 21 | 22 | 30 | 39 | 48 | 58 | 63 | 61 | 54 | 42 | 33 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.16 | 2.20 | 3.89 | 3.59 | 3.54 | 4.23 | 4.93 | 5.18 | 3.82 | 3.67 | 3.41 | 3.87 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Watchung, NJ?
Watchung has a cost index of 242 (100 = national average). It is 142% above the national average.
What is average rent in Watchung, NJ?
The median gross rent in Watchung is $2,571 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Watchung?
The median home value in Watchung is $833,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Watchung?
The median household income in Watchung is $166,536 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Watchung, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Watchung is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Watchung, NJ affordable?
Watchung is above average in cost of living, with an index of 242 — about 142% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Watchung?
Watchung 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.
Watchung at a Glance
- Population
- 6,429
- Median Income
- $166,536
- Home Value
- $833,300
- Median Rent
- $2,571/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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New Jersey Rankings
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