Cost of Living in Westwood, NJ

Population 11,221 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

187
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Westwood's housing market reflects its status as a high-earning metro: $588,000 for a typical home, 93% above the US median, paired with household incomes around $169,026 that put it in the upper third of the state. An unemployment rate of 2.6% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Westwood sits roughly 9 miles northeast of Paterson — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 75% higher than Paterson's $335,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 193
Rent 179

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

About the Cost of Living in Westwood

The median home value in Westwood is $587,700 — 93% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,351/month, 79% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $169,026/year is 127% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.6%, 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 64.0°F and lows of 46.7°F. Overall, Westwood has a cost of living index of 187 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 87% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$587,700
93% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$742,128
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,351/mo
79% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
20.8x
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 66.0%
Renter-occupied 34.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,351
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,965/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
31.5 min
17% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
17.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
61.2%
Carpooled
8.8%
Public transit
4.8%
Walked
6.4%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
17.6%

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
$169,026
127% above avg
Per Capita Income
$64,396
Unemployment Rate
2.6%
46% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.3%
Labor Force Participation
74.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 33.8%
Graduate degree 22.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.7
Male median age 40
Female median age 43.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
64.0°F
Avg Low
46.7°F
Annual Precip
46.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 404351637382878578675645
Low °F 262734445363696760483831
Precip" 3.282.824.093.973.944.254.454.254.113.733.304.10

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 48 — Good
55.9%
Good air days/yr
197
Max AQI recorded
245
PM2.5 days
91
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Westwood, NJ?

Westwood has a cost index of 187 (100 = national average). It is 87% above the national average.

What is average rent in Westwood, NJ?

The median gross rent in Westwood is $2,351 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Westwood?

The median home value in Westwood is $587,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Westwood?

The median household income in Westwood is $169,026 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Westwood, NJ?

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

Is Westwood, NJ affordable?

Westwood is above average in cost of living, with an index of 187 — about 87% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Westwood?

Westwood has average high temperatures of 64.0°F and average lows of 46.7°F. Annual precipitation is 46.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Westwood at a Glance

Population
11,221
Median Income
$169,026
Home Value
$587,700
Median Rent
$2,351/mo
Unemployment
2.6%
Avg High Temp
64.0°F
Sales Tax
6.6%
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