D-
16%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
27%
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 Roselle New Jersey National
Cost of living116125100
Groceries104108100
Health care110112100
Housing127157100
Transportation114114100
Utilities110111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment114113100
Household Items108107100
Education & Childcare120120100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Roselle, NJ

The cost of living in Roselle affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Roselle is 116, which is 16% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

Housing costs significantly influence the Roselle 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 27.5%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Roselle Affordable?

Is Roselle 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 Roselle, the median home price is 29.1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 23.8% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Roselle boasting a median household income of $97,520, 19.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Roselle?

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 Roselle, the utilities index registers at 10.1% higher than the national average.

Housing: When everyone's vying for homes in popular areas, it drives up property prices and rents, making the overall cost of living surge. On the flip side, in less sought-after locales, where housing demand is low, prices tend to dip, resulting in a more economical cost of living. In Roselle, the housing index comes in at 27.5% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Roselle, the transportation index is 13.5% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Roselle cost of living estimates above use a normalized U.S. average of 100 as the baseline for comparison. Housing values incorporate local home price and rental information from the U.S. Census, while all other estimates are AI-assisted and modeled using expected everyday expenses, local market trends, climate, and transportation-related cost pressures. The results are intended for practical city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Roselle is 8% lower than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Roselle is 16% higher than the national average
  • Roselle housing is 27% 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 Roselle

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Compare Roselle, 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$141,178$11,765$3,294$4,236
      Renters$54,232$4,519$1,265$1,627
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Roselle, NJ, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Roselle, homeowners have a median income of $141,178. Using that number, a maximum of $3,294 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $54,232, which means there is a maximum of $1,265 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Keansburg, NJ10,05011414.1%
      East Orange, NJ66,65511515.1%
      Silver Lake CDP (Warren County), NJ32611717.3%
      Newark, NJ290,76412019.8%
      Cliffwood Beach, NJ3,09111919.4%
      Roselle, NJ22,32111615.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Yellowknife, NT22,316n/a 
      Golden Valley, MN22,33312121.2%
      Darien, CT22,334245144.9%
      Elkridge, MD22,33513535.3%
      Massapequa, NY22,30216363.0%
      Roselle, NJ22,32111615.7%
      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.