F
40%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
111%
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 Hawthorne New Jersey National
Cost of living140125100
Groceries108108100
Health care108112100
Housing211157100
Transportation110114100
Utilities108111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment114113100
Household Items108107100
Education & Childcare120120100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Hawthorne, NJ

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Hawthorne is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Hawthorne is 140, which is 40% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Hawthorne may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Hawthorne falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Hawthorne cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 110.8% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Hawthorne Affordable?

Is Hawthorne 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 Hawthorne is 133.3% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 58.4% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Hawthorne has a median household income of $156,457, which is 92.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Hawthorne?

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Hawthorne, the groceries index is 7.7% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Hawthorne, healthcare costs are 8.1% higher than the national average.

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 Hawthorne, the transportation index is 9.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Hawthorne cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Hawthorne is 12% higher than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Hawthorne is 40% higher than the national average
  • Hawthorne housing is 111% 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 Hawthorne

See all the best places to live around Hawthorne

Compare Hawthorne, 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$178,278$14,857$4,160$5,349
      Renters$85,907$7,159$2,004$2,577
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Hawthorne, NJ, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Hawthorne have a median income of $178,278. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $4,160 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $85,907, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,004.

      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.
      East Orange, NJ66,65511515.1%
      Silver Lake CDP (Warren County), NJ32611717.3%
      Paterson, NJ149,11812221.5%
      Prospect Park, NJ5,98712525.1%
      Haledon, NJ8,47512626.2%
      Hawthorne, NJ19,45914040.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Seabrook, MD19,46112626.0%
      Ansonia, CT19,45611110.8%
      Riverview, NB19,441n/a 
      Stevenson Ranch, CA19,48519493.7%
      Whitehall, OH19,4298713.0%
      Hawthorne, NJ19,45914040.4%
      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.