F
51%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
147%
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 Morristown New Jersey National
Cost of living151125100
Groceries108108100
Health care111112100
Housing247157100
Transportation110114100
Utilities109111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108113100
Household Items106107100
Education & Childcare118120100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Morristown, NJ

Knowing the cost of living in Morristown 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 Morristown stands at 151, marking it 51% 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 Morristown 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, Morristown falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Morristown 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 146.9% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Morristown Affordable?

Is Morristown affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Morristown, for instance, where the median home price falls 166.4% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 101.2% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Morristown flaunting a median household income of $165,482, 103.5% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Morristown?

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 Morristown, the utilities index is 9.3% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may implement government subsidies or assistance programs with the goal of alleviating the cost of living pressures on their residents. These programs encompass a broad spectrum of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas offering fewer subsidies may experience a rise in their cost of living.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Morristown 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 Morristown is 20% higher than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Morristown is 51% higher than the national average
  • Morristown housing is 147% 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 Morristown

See all the best places to live around Morristown

Compare Morristown, NJ Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Morristown?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Morristown?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Morristown poll results

      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$246,931$20,578$5,761$7,409
      Renters$123,587$10,299$2,884$3,708
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Morristown, NJ, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Morristown, the median monthly income is $246,931 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $5,761 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $123,587, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,884 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Victory Gardens, NJ1,6541087.7%
      East Orange, NJ66,65511515.1%
      Roselle, NJ22,32111615.7%
      Netcong, NJ3,28512019.9%
      Hopatcong, NJ14,71112322.7%
      Morristown, NJ19,56115150.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bellaire, TX19,55318686.0%
      Nanuet, NY19,53814241.8%
      Onalaska, WI19,5351022.3%
      Sherrelwood, CO19,53112322.6%
      Valle Vista, CA19,53011515.4%
      Morristown, NJ19,56115150.9%
      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.