F
47%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
132%
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 Waldwick New Jersey National
Cost of living147125100
Groceries108108100
Health care108112100
Housing232157100
Transportation110114100
Utilities108111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment114113100
Household Items108107100
Education & Childcare120120100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Waldwick, NJ

Knowing the cost of living in Waldwick 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 Waldwick stands at 147, marking it 47% higher than the national average.

If you're in pursuit of an economical living environment, Waldwick may not fit the bill, as it ranks among the most expensive places to reside in the United States. Just a minority of regions exhibit a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and, unfortunately, Waldwick falls within this bracket.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Waldwick 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 131.8% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Waldwick Affordable?

Is Waldwick 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 Waldwick is 153.5% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 81.2% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Waldwick has a median household income of $188,198, which is 131.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Waldwick?

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Waldwick, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 6.625%, and income tax rates start at 1.4%.

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 Waldwick, is 131.8% higher than the national average.

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 Waldwick, the utilities index is 8.2% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Waldwick 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 Waldwick is 17% higher than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Waldwick is 47% higher than the national average
  • Waldwick housing is 132% 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 Waldwick

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Compare Waldwick, 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$199,609$16,634$4,657$5,989
      Renters$112,808$9,401$2,632$3,385
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Waldwick, 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 Waldwick homeowners, is $199,609. This would allow for a maximum of $4,657 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $112,808 which would result in a maximum of $2,632 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.
      Greenwood Lake, NY3,16811817.7%
      Paterson, NJ149,11812221.5%
      Mount Ivy, NY7,67512020.1%
      Haverstraw, NY12,43112121.4%
      West Haverstraw, NY10,53912121.4%
      Waldwick, NJ10,42214746.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sleepy Hollow, NY10,42317170.7%
      Winterville, NC10,424955.3%
      Orange Cove, CA10,4251099.0%
      Tipp City, OH10,425946.3%
      Warr Acres, OK10,4258712.8%
      Waldwick, NJ10,42214746.7%
      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.