F
33%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
84%
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 North Arlington New Jersey National
Cost of living133125100
Groceries108108100
Health care112112100
Housing184157100
Transportation114114100
Utilities112111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment110113100
Household Items107107100
Education & Childcare113120100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in North Arlington, NJ

Knowing the cost of living in North Arlington 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 North Arlington stands at 133, marking it 33% higher than the national average.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, North Arlington 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, North Arlington falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the North Arlington 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 83.7% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is North Arlington Affordable?

Is North Arlington 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 North Arlington, for instance, where the median home price falls 100.1% higher than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 45.3% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with North Arlington flaunting a median household income of $133,029, 63.6% higher than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in North Arlington?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In North Arlington, healthcare costs are 11.6% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In North Arlington, the groceries index registers 8.3% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban centers, known for their wealth of amenities and strong employment prospects, often exhibit an elevated cost of living, primarily attributable to the heightened demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this scenario leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural areas or regions characterized by diminished demand typically provide a more limited array of amenities and experience slower job market growth, resulting in a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for North Arlington 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 North Arlington is 6% higher than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in North Arlington is 33% higher than the national average
  • North Arlington housing is 84% 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 North Arlington

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Compare North Arlington, 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$159,971$13,331$3,732$4,800
      Renters$100,918$8,410$2,355$3,028
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in North Arlington, NJ, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for North Arlington homeowners, is $159,971. This would allow for a maximum of $3,732 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $100,918 which would result in a maximum of $2,355 to be spent on rental 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.
      East Orange, NJ66,65511515.1%
      Roselle, NJ22,32111615.7%
      Silver Lake CDP (Warren County), NJ32611717.3%
      Newark, NJ290,76412019.8%
      Paterson, NJ149,11812221.5%
      North Arlington, NJ16,08013332.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Mastic Beach, NY16,07612120.8%
      Cold Lake, AB16,076n/a 
      Conyers, GA16,084972.7%
      Lakeway, TX16,07414646.3%
      Canyon, TX16,086973.3%
      North Arlington, NJ16,08013332.6%
      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.