Cost of Living in Watsessing, NJ

Population 7,944 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

143
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Watsessing is a smaller New Jersey community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $94,301 and housing costs ($419,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 5 miles northwest of Newark, Watsessing falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 24% higher than Newark's $338,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 137
Rent 152

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

About the Cost of Living in Watsessing

The median home value in Watsessing is $418,500 — 37% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,997/month, 52% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $94,301/year is 26% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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, Watsessing has a cost of living index of 143 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 43% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$418,500
37% above avg
Median Rent
$1,997/mo
52% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
17.5x
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 32.1%
Renter-occupied 67.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,997
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,611/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
35.4 min
31% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
54.1%
Carpooled
5.7%
Public transit
16.5%
Walked
2.9%
Work from home
19.9%

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
$94,301
26% above avg
Per Capita Income
$56,531
Unemployment Rate
6.7%
39% above avg
Poverty Rate
7.5%
Labor Force Participation
81.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 35.6%
Graduate degree 18.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.8
Male median age 33.7
Female median age 43

🌤 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Watsessing, NJ?

Watsessing has a cost index of 143 (100 = national average). It is 43% above the national average.

What is average rent in Watsessing, NJ?

The median gross rent in Watsessing is $1,997 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Watsessing?

The median home value in Watsessing is $418,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Watsessing?

The median household income in Watsessing is $94,301 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Watsessing, NJ?

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

Is Watsessing, NJ affordable?

Watsessing is above average in cost of living, with an index of 143 — about 43% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Watsessing?

Watsessing 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.

Watsessing at a Glance

Population
7,944
Median Income
$94,301
Home Value
$418,500
Median Rent
$1,997/mo
Unemployment
6.7%
Avg High Temp
63.8°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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