| Index | Middlesex | New Jersey | National |
| Cost of living | 128 | 125 | 100 |
| Groceries | 108 | 108 | 100 |
| Health care | 114 | 112 | 100 |
| Housing | 165 | 157 | 100 |
| Transportation | 115 | 114 | 100 |
| Utilities | 111 | 111 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 114 | 113 | 100 |
| Household Items | 105 | 107 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 116 | 120 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Middlesex can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Middlesex cost of living index is 128, which is 28% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Middlesex 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, Middlesex falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.
Housing costs significantly influence the Middlesex 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 65.3%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.
Is Middlesex 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 Middlesex is 72.3% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 49% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Middlesex has a median household income of $126,683, which is 55.8% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Middlesex, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.625%, and income tax rates start at 1.4%.
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 Middlesex, the groceries index is 8.3% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Middlesex, the utilities index is 10.7% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Middlesex are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $139,401 | $11,617 | $3,252 | $4,182 |
| Renters | $71,189 | $5,932 | $1,661 | $2,136 |
| 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. |
| Zarephath, NJ | 98 | 113 | 12.8% |
| Roselle, NJ | 22,321 | 116 | 15.7% |
| Cliffwood Beach, NJ | 3,091 | 119 | 19.4% |
| Laurence Harbor, NJ | 6,228 | 121 | 20.8% |
| Plainfield, NJ | 51,295 | 122 | 21.5% |
| Middlesex, NJ | 14,149 | 128 | 27.7% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Allouez, WI | 14,152 | 96 | 4.1% |
| Wood Dale, IL | 14,145 | 112 | 11.6% |
| Moberly, MO | 14,143 | 86 | 14.2% |
| Chaparral, NM | 14,155 | 88 | 12.3% |
| Glenpool, OK | 14,140 | 93 | 6.6% |
| Middlesex, NJ | 14,149 | 128 | 27.7% |
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