Cost of Living in Highlands, NJ

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F
23%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
52%
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 Highlands New Jersey National
Cost of living123125100
Groceries105108100
Health care112112100
Housing152157100
Transportation114114100
Utilities109111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113113100
Household Items107107100
Education & Childcare120120100
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Homes For Sale In Highlands, NJ

property for sale

118 Miller St

Highlands, NJ
property for sale

71 Portland Rd

Highlands, NJ
property for sale

1 Scenic Dr #1105

Highlands, NJ
property for sale

1 Scenic Dr #310

Highlands, NJ

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Highlands is 2% lower than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Highlands is 23% higher than the national average
  • Highlands housing is 52% 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 Highlands

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Compare Highlands, NJ Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$116,658$9,722$2,722$3,500
      Renters$43,988$3,666$1,026$1,320
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Highlands, NJ, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Highlands, homeowners have a median income of $116,658. Using that number, a maximum of $2,722 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $43,988, which means there is a maximum of $1,026 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Keansburg, NJ10,05011414.1%
      Cliffwood Beach, NJ3,09111919.4%
      North Middletown, NJ2,72312020.1%
      Laurence Harbor, NJ6,22812120.8%
      Keyport, NJ7,20912121.4%
      Highlands, NJ4,89312323.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mystic, CT4,89313535.3%
      Ellisburg, NJ4,89111616.0%
      Crystal Springs, MS4,8958217.7%
      Madisonville, TX4,8908515.1%
      Goddard, KS4,896936.8%
      Highlands, NJ4,89312323.2%
      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.
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