| Index | Somerset | New Jersey | National |
| Cost of living | 133 | 125 | 100 |
| Groceries | 109 | 108 | 100 |
| Health care | 114 | 112 | 100 |
| Housing | 179 | 157 | 100 |
| Transportation | 112 | 114 | 100 |
| Utilities | 115 | 111 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 112 | 113 | 100 |
| Household Items | 109 | 107 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 124 | 120 | 100 |

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Somerset is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Somerset is 133, which is 33% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.
The cost of living in Somerset is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Somerset falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Somerset, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 78.9% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.
Is Somerset 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 Somerset, the median home price is 80.1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 76% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Somerset boasting a median household income of $139,904, 72% higher than the national average.
Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Somerset, the groceries index is 9.3% higher than the national average.
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 Somerset, healthcare costs are 13.5% higher than the national average.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Somerset, the transportation index stands at 11.9% higher than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Somerset 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.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $159,982 | $13,332 | $3,733 | $4,800 |
| Renters | $105,240 | $8,770 | $2,455 | $3,158 |
| 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% |
| Rossmoor, NJ | 2,769 | 104 | 3.7% |
| Clearbrook Park, NJ | 3,208 | 110 | 10.3% |
| Concordia, NJ | 2,620 | 114 | 14.0% |
| Roselle, NJ | 22,321 | 116 | 15.7% |
| Somerset, NJ | 24,856 | 133 | 32.6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Okemos, MI | 24,848 | 109 | 9.0% |
| Kalispell, MT | 24,848 | 107 | 6.9% |
| Freeport, IL | 24,837 | 82 | 17.6% |
| Sturgeon County, AB | 24,881 | n/a | |
| Bridgeton, NJ | 24,883 | 101 | 0.6% |
| Somerset, NJ | 24,856 | 133 | 32.6% |