| Index | Long Branch | New Jersey | National |
| Cost of living | 134 | 125 | 100 |
| Groceries | 105 | 108 | 100 |
| Health care | 112 | 112 | 100 |
| Housing | 187 | 157 | 100 |
| Transportation | 114 | 114 | 100 |
| Utilities | 109 | 111 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 113 | 113 | 100 |
| Household Items | 107 | 107 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 120 | 120 | 100 |
Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Long Branch? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Long Branch stands at 134, making it 34% 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, Long Branch 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, Long Branch falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.
When it comes to the cost of living in Long Branch, 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 87.5% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.
Wondering if Long Branch is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Long Branch, for example, the median home price is 105.9% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 44.5% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Long Branch boasting a median household income of $93,468, which is 14.9% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Long Branch, the utilities index registers at 9.1% 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 Long Branch, the standard sales tax rate starts at 6.625%, and the income tax rates commence at 1.4%.
Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Long Branch, the groceries index is 5.4% higher than the national average.
The cost of living data for Long Branch 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.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $113,758 | $9,480 | $2,654 | $3,413 |
| Renters | $66,907 | $5,576 | $1,561 | $2,007 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| New Jersey | 6.625% | 12.625% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| New Jersey | 1.4% | 10.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Keansburg, NJ | 10,050 | 114 | 14.1% |
| Cliffwood Beach, NJ | 3,091 | 119 | 19.4% |
| North Middletown, NJ | 2,723 | 120 | 20.1% |
| Laurence Harbor, NJ | 6,228 | 121 | 20.8% |
| Keyport, NJ | 7,209 | 121 | 21.4% |
| Long Branch, NJ | 31,244 | 134 | 33.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Cibolo, TX | 31,234 | 112 | 12.1% |
| Syracuse, UT | 31,254 | 127 | 26.8% |
| LaGrange, GA | 31,218 | 93 | 7.2% |
| Poughkeepsie, NY | 31,213 | 111 | 10.6% |
| Fountain, CO | 31,205 | 118 | 18.1% |
| Long Branch, NJ | 31,244 | 134 | 33.9% |
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