Cost of Living in Westfield, NJ

Population 30,760 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

250
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Westfield's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $931,000 for a typical home, 205% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $212,700 that put it in the upper third of the state.

Westfield sits roughly 8 miles west of Elizabeth — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 136% higher than Elizabeth's $394,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 305
Rent 168

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

About the Cost of Living in Westfield

The median home value in Westfield is $930,500 — 205% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,211/month, 68% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $212,700/year is 185% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, below 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, Westfield has a cost of living index of 250 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 150% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$930,500
205% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$1,248,282
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,211/mo
68% above avg
Zillow Rent
$2,554/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
35.1x
Favors renting
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 80.3%
Renter-occupied 19.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,211
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,825/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
40.1 min
49% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
34.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
49.7%
Carpooled
1.5%
Public transit
12.3%
Walked
1.5%
Work from home
34.0%

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
$212,700
185% above avg
Per Capita Income
$104,216
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
28% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.1%
Labor Force Participation
67.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 39.5%
Graduate degree 37.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41
Male median age 40.4
Female median age 41.4

🌤 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

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 52 — Moderate
44.7%
Good air days/yr
227
Max AQI recorded
329
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
10.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
16
Public schools
6,299
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Westfield, NJ?

Westfield has a cost index of 250 (100 = national average). It is 150% above the national average.

What is average rent in Westfield, NJ?

The median gross rent in Westfield is $2,211 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Westfield?

The median home value in Westfield is $930,500 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Westfield?

The median household income in Westfield is $212,700 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Westfield, NJ?

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

Is Westfield, NJ affordable?

Westfield is above average in cost of living, with an index of 250 — about 150% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Westfield?

Westfield 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.

Westfield at a Glance

Population
30,760
Median Income
$212,700
Home Value
$930,500
Median Rent
$2,211/mo
Unemployment
3.5%
Avg High Temp
63.8°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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