F
53%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
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 Secaucus New Jersey National
Cost of living153125100
Groceries106108100
Health care113112100
Housing247157100
Transportation118114100
Utilities109111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment112113100
Household Items105107100
Education & Childcare124120100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Secaucus, NJ

Understanding the cost of living in Secaucus 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 Secaucus cost of living index is 153, which is 53% 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, Secaucus 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, Secaucus falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs significantly influence the Secaucus 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 147%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Secaucus Affordable?

Is Secaucus 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 Secaucus is 166% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 102.8% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Secaucus has a median household income of $187,234, which is 130.2% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Secaucus?

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 Secaucus, the groceries index is 6.4% higher than the national average.

Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as 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 with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Secaucus, is 147% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Secaucus cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Secaucus is 22% higher than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Secaucus is 53% higher than the national average
  • Secaucus 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 Secaucus

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Compare Secaucus, 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$211,411$17,618$4,933$6,343
      Renters$136,396$11,366$3,182$4,092
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Secaucus, 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 Secaucus, the median monthly income is $211,411 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $4,933 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $136,396, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $3,182 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.
      Greenville CDP (Greene County), NY6161066.1%
      East Orange, NJ66,65511515.1%
      Roselle, NJ22,32111615.7%
      Silver Lake CDP (Warren County), NJ32611717.3%
      Newark, NJ290,76412019.8%
      Secaucus, NJ21,08015352.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ashland, KY21,0898515.2%
      Agoura Hills, CA21,069205105.1%
      Springwater, ON21,091n/a 
      Dorval, QC21,098n/a 
      American Canyon, CA21,06116160.7%
      Secaucus, NJ21,08015352.6%
      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.