Plainfield, NJ

Above Avg · 123

New Jersey · Population 54,515 · Updated March 2026

$1,673
Median Rent / Month
$80,334
Median Income
$383,300
Median Home Value
$1,863
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Plainfield

25.0%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Moderate
Rent takes 25-35% of median income — moderate affordability.

Tax Burden in New Jersey

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

10.75%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.625%
Sales Tax
2.23%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$20,076
Annual Rent
$8,636
State Income Tax
$8,548
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Plainfield has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 123 (where 100 equals the national median), Plainfield residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,673/month while earning a median household income of $80,334/year.

The median home value in Plainfield, NJ is $383,300, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,863 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. With a rent-to-income ratio of 25.0%, Plainfield falls within the generally affordable range, though it's approaching the 30% burden threshold.

New Jersey's top income tax rate of 10.75% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 6.625% sales tax rate and 2.23% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Plainfield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Plainfield

What is the cost of living in Plainfield, NJ?
The cost of living index in Plainfield, NJ is 123 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,673, median household income is $80,334/year, and the median home value is $383,300.
Is Plainfield, NJ affordable?
No, Plainfield is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 123. The rent-to-income ratio is 25.0%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Plainfield, NJ?
The median gross rent in Plainfield, NJ is $1,673 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $20,076.
What is the median household income in Plainfield?
The median household income in Plainfield, NJ is $80,334 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in New Jersey?
New Jersey has a top income tax rate of 10.75%, a sales tax of 6.625%, and an effective property tax rate of 2.23%.