F
69%
Overall NAT. AVG.
10%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
195%
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 Kinnelon New Jersey National
Cost of living169125100
Groceries110108100
Health care112112100
Housing295157100
Transportation120114100
Utilities112111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment112113100
Household Items110107100
Education & Childcare128120100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Kinnelon, NJ

Knowing the cost of living in Kinnelon allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Kinnelon stands at 169, marking it 69% higher than the national average.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Kinnelon is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Kinnelon falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

When it comes to the cost of living in Kinnelon, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 194.7% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.

The substantial and relentless rise in grocery prices definitely warrants some attention. Over the past two years, grocery expenses have escalated by more than 10%. Having said that, the situation in Kinnelon is even less favorable, with grocery prices here being 10.3% higher than the national average.

Is Kinnelon Affordable?

Is Kinnelon affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Kinnelon, the median home price is 226.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 119.7% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Kinnelon boasting a median household income of $222,750, 173.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kinnelon?

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 Kinnelon, healthcare costs are 11.9% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Kinnelon, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.625%, and the income tax rates commence at 1.4%.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Kinnelon, the housing index is 194.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Kinnelon shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Kinnelon is 35% higher than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Kinnelon is 69% higher than the national average
  • Kinnelon housing is 195% 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 Kinnelon

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Compare Kinnelon, 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$236,956$19,746$5,529$7,109
      Renters$151,821$12,652$3,542$4,555
      The affordability of the housing market in Kinnelon, 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 Kinnelon homeowners, the median income is $236,956. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $5,529 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $151,821. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $3,542 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.
      Vernon Center, NJ1,5181033.2%
      Victory Gardens, NJ1,6541087.7%
      Franklin, NJ4,92711212.1%
      Hamburg, NJ3,23111615.6%
      East Orange, NJ66,65511515.1%
      Kinnelon, NJ10,34216968.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Marina del Rey, CA10,341219118.8%
      Harrisonville, MO10,343909.6%
      Citrus, CA10,33915151.4%
      Vernon, TX10,3478316.6%
      Berlin, NH10,3368811.7%
      Kinnelon, NJ10,34216968.5%
      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.