Cost of Living in Wildwood, NJ
Population 5,140 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Wildwood sits on the smaller end of the New Jersey city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 9.2%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Wildwood is about 75 miles south of Philadelphia, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 55% higher than Philadelphia's $232,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Wildwood
The median home value in Wildwood is $361,200 — 18% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,255/month, 4% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $51,996/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.2%, 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 has a cost of living index of 109 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 9% more expensive.
Wildwood 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Wildwood, NJ?
Wildwood has a cost index of 109 (100 = national average). It is 9% above the national average.
What is average rent in Wildwood, NJ?
The median gross rent in Wildwood is $1,255 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Wildwood?
The median home value in Wildwood is $361,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Wildwood?
The median household income in Wildwood is $51,996 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Wildwood, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Wildwood is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Wildwood, NJ affordable?
Wildwood is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 109 (100 = US average).
Wildwood at a Glance
- Population
- 5,140
- Median Income
- $51,996
- Home Value
- $361,200
- Median Rent
- $1,255/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.2%
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Jersey Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs