Cost of Living in Wildwood Crest, NJ

Population 3,094 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023

133
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Wildwood Crest skews considerably older than the national median, with an average age of 61. Reported household income of $82,143 often reflects pension and investment income rather than wages, which makes the local tax picture — especially property tax treatment — a larger factor than in working-age cities. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 10.7% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Located 75 miles south of Philadelphia, Wildwood Crest is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 127% higher than Philadelphia's $232,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 173
Rent 72

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

About the Cost of Living in Wildwood Crest

The median home value in Wildwood Crest is $526,600 — 73% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $950/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $82,143/year is 10% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.7%, 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%. Overall, Wildwood Crest has a cost of living index of 133 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$526,600
73% above avg
Median Rent
$950/mo
28% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
46.2x
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 79.4%
Renter-occupied 20.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$950
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,564/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
21.7 min
20% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
50.9%
Carpooled
19.2%
Public transit
1.8%
Walked
9.8%
Bicycle
3.0%
Work from home
15.2%

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
$82,143
10% above avg
Per Capita Income
$58,623
Unemployment Rate
10.7%
121% above avg
Poverty Rate
8.5%
Labor Force Participation
53.6%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 31.1%
Graduate degree 14.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 61
Male median age 60.4
Female median age 62.9

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Wildwood Crest, NJ?

Wildwood Crest has a cost index of 133 (100 = national average). It is 33% above the national average.

What is average rent in Wildwood Crest, NJ?

The median gross rent in Wildwood Crest is $950 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Wildwood Crest?

The median home value in Wildwood Crest is $526,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Wildwood Crest?

The median household income in Wildwood Crest is $82,143 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Wildwood Crest, NJ?

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

Is Wildwood Crest, NJ affordable?

Wildwood Crest is above average in cost of living, with an index of 133 — about 33% higher than the national average.

Wildwood Crest at a Glance

Population
3,094
Median Income
$82,143
Home Value
$526,600
Median Rent
$950/mo
Unemployment
10.7%
Sales Tax
6.6%
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