F
33%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
87%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Bergenfield New Jersey National
Cost of living133125100
Groceries106108100
Health care112112100
Housing187157100
Transportation112114100
Utilities113111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment110113100
Household Items104107100
Education & Childcare121120100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Bergenfield, NJ

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Bergenfield? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Bergenfield stands at 133, making it 33% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Bergenfield may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Bergenfield falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Bergenfield cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 87%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Bergenfield Affordable?

Is Bergenfield an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Bergenfield is 102.7% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 50.1% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Bergenfield has a median household income of $152,992, which is 88.1% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Bergenfield?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Bergenfield, the groceries index registers 5.7% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Some cities and states may extend government subsidies or aid programs aimed at reducing the cost of living for their residents. These initiatives encompass diverse forms of support, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Regions with limited subsidy provisions may witness an increase in their overall cost of living.

Transportation: When public transportation options are limited or non-existent, residents frequently resort to vehicle ownership, which can significantly contribute to the overall cost of living. Monthly financial obligations encompass fuel, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or financing expenses. In Bergenfield, the transportation index is 11.8% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Bergenfield cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Bergenfield is 7% higher than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Bergenfield is 33% higher than the national average
  • Bergenfield housing is 87% higher than the national average
  • New Jersey general sales tax is 30% higher than the national average
  • New Jersey state income tax is 46% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Bergenfield

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Compare Bergenfield, NJ Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$186,967$15,581$4,362$5,610
      Renters$79,455$6,621$1,854$2,384
      The affordability of the housing market in Bergenfield, NJ as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Bergenfield homeowners, the median income is $186,967. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $4,362 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $79,455. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $1,854 for their rent related monthly costs.

      New Jersey Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      New Jersey 6.625% 12.625%

      New Jersey Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      New Jersey 1.4% 10.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Greenville CDP (Greene County), NY6161066.1%
      East Orange, NJ66,65511515.1%
      Silver Lake CDP (Warren County), NJ32611717.3%
      Newark, NJ290,76412019.8%
      Paterson, NJ149,11812221.5%
      Bergenfield, NJ28,18613333.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Horn Lake, MS28,1969010.0%
      Erie, CO28,20115353.2%
      Oak Forest, IL28,1441043.9%
      Millville, NJ28,1341066.2%
      Mililani Town, HI28,24918585.0%
      Bergenfield, NJ28,18613333.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.