South Plainfield, NJ

Very High · 142

New Jersey · Population 24,231 · Updated March 2026

$1,928
Median Rent / Month
$126,063
Median Income
$443,900
Median Home Value
$2,183
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in South Plainfield

18.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

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

$23,136
Annual Rent
$13,552
State Income Tax
$9,899
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

South Plainfield has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 142 (where 100 equals the national median), South Plainfield residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,928/month while earning a median household income of $126,063/year.

The median home value in South Plainfield, NJ is $443,900, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,183 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

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 South Plainfield.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in South Plainfield

What is the cost of living in South Plainfield, NJ?
The cost of living index in South Plainfield, NJ is 142 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,928, median household income is $126,063/year, and the median home value is $443,900.
Is South Plainfield, NJ affordable?
No, South Plainfield is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 142. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in South Plainfield, NJ?
The median gross rent in South Plainfield, NJ is $1,928 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $23,136.
What is the median household income in South Plainfield?
The median household income in South Plainfield, NJ is $126,063 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%.