Located in Union County, the town of Westfield is known for its beautiful, community-oriented suburbs and an upscale downtown that features small-town charm. Every year, more and more people are moving to Westfield, NJ for several reasons, one of which is the low unemployment rate. The city ranks 81% better than other areas in the United States, with an unemployment rate of 4.9%. The national average is 6%.

If you are considering moving to Westfield, it will benefit you to learn about the cost of living in this area. While moving to a new location may be a very exciting adventure, it can also mean having a higher cost of living. And so, before you make that decision to relocate, it is best for you to know how affordable it would be to live in this town given your expected income.

What is Cost of Living?

Simply put, the cost of living is the amount of money needed for you to be able to cover your basic expenses in a particular location and time period. This would include housing, food, taxes, and healthcare. Cost of living is often used to compare the affordability of living in one city compared to another.

A cost of living index is particularly helpful if you are considering moving to Westfield, NJ, and you want to see if living here would be beneficial for you given your projected income. This index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the COL index of housing in a given area is 130, then it is 30% higher than the national average.

Cost of Living in Westfield, NJ

The overall cost of living in Westfield, NJ is 169; the state average is 121.

The COL index for goods and services is 113; the state average is 107.

The COL index for groceries is 107; the state average is 108.

The COL index for health care is 102; the state average is 98.

The COL index for housing is 310; the state average is 158.

The COL index for transportation is 106; the state average is 107.

The COL index for utilities is 102; the state average is 98.

 

Cost of Food and Groceries in Westfield, NJ

The average cost of ground beef in Westfield, NJ is $3.87, 8.3% higher compared to the national average of $4.22.

The average cost of fried chicken in Westfield, NJ is $1.67, 20.5% higher compared to the national average of $1.39.

The average cost of milk in Westfield, NJ is $2.41, 17.6% higher compared to the national average of $2.05.

The average cost of potatoes in Westfield, NJ is $3.09, 6.0% lower compared to the national average of $3.29.

The average cost of pizza in Westfield, NJ is $11.40, 7.3% higher compared to the national average of $10.62.

The average cost of toothpaste in Westfield, NJ is $2.16, 7.6% lower compared to the national average of $2.34.

The average cost of shampoo in Westfield, NJ is $1.03, 2.2% lower compared to the national average of $1.06.

 

Health Care Costs in Westfield, NJ

A visit to an optometrist in Westfield, NJ costs around $101.33, 6.7% lower compared to the national average of $108.57.

A regular check up with a general practitioner in Westfield, NJ costs around $94.50, 18.7% lower compared to the national average of $116.17.

A dentist appointment in Westfield, NJ costs around $113.15, 14.1% higher compared to the national average of $99.13.

The average cost of Ibuprofen in Westfield, NJ is $9.02, 6.8% lower compared to the national average of $9.68.

The average cost of Lipitor in Westfield, NJ is $536.42, 14.9% higher compared to the national average of $466.92.

 

Costs of Basic Services in Westfield, NJ

The average cost of haircut at a salon in Westfield, NJ is $20.73, 11.3% higher compared to the national average of $18.62.

The average cost of a treatment at a beauty salon in Westfield, NJ is $36.40, 6.8% lower compared to the national average of $39.05.

The average cost of a ticket to the cinema in Westfield, NJ is $12.59, 17.8% higher compared to the national average of $10.68.

On average, the hourly rate at a bowling alley in Westfield, NJ is $17.73, while the national average is 20.9% lower at $14.67 per hour.

 

Housing Costs in Westfield, NJ

The average home sale price in Westfield, NJ is $689,400.00, 273.3% higher compared to the national average of $184,700.00.

The average mortgage payment in Westfield, NJ is $1,775.63, 48.3% higher compared to the national average of $1,197.42.

The average monthly rent for apartments in Westfield, NJ is $1,532.00, which is 61.4% higher compared to the national average of $949.00.

Westfield, NJ features a wide range of architectural styles for homebuyers.

Historic Colonial, Tudor, and Victorian homes are found in older neighborhoods, such as Brightwood, Kimball Avenue Historic District, and Stoneleigh Park. Luxury apartments are available in the downtown area.

 

Utility Costs in Westfield, NJ

The average cost of electricity in Westfield, NJ is $174.26, 3.9% higher compared to the national average of $167.67.

The average monthly phone bill in Westfield, NJ amounts to $179.87, 2.4% higher compared to the national average of $175.64.

 

Taxes in Westfield, NJ

Taxes in the state of New Jersey are among the highest in the nation.

The top tax rate in New Jersey’s progressive state tax system is 8.97%.

Comparatively, taxes in New Jersey are lower compared to the top income tax rates in California, Hawaii, Oregon, Minnesota, and Iowa.

The average effective property tax rate in New Jersey is 2.40%; while the national average is 1.19%.

 

If you are considering moving to Westfield, NJ, I hope that the information in this article has helped you assess if the possible relocation to this wonderful area will be beneficial for you. If you are planning to buy your new home in this area, feel free to get in touch with me. I would be more than happy to help you find the perfect home. We can find the right home for you given your lifestyle, personal preferences, and budget. Call today at 1-908-447-3579 if you have any questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment.