Carteret, NJ Utility & Living Guide

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Carteret, NJ Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

Last updated: June 30, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1649/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$337,500
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Carteret
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

PSE&G
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

PSE&G
💧 Water

$45/mo

Carteret Municipal Utilities Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Carteret Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1649/mo
2 Bedrooms$1833/mo
3 Bedrooms$2291/mo
Median Home Price$337,500
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Carteret’s housing market is relatively affordable compared to nearby areas, with a mix of older homes and newer developments. Demand has been steady due to its proximity to NYC and transportation options.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6.625% + County 0% + City 0.875%</p>

New Jersey has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple description
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in logistics, manufacturing, and retail
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, property taxes, school funding
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is moderately accessible, with some bus routes and nearby train stations, but stroller accessibility varies.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Carteret Park
  • 🎯
    Waterfront Park
  • 🎯
    Carteret Skate Zone

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The waterfront area is popular for its views and newer developments. Neighborhoods near Carteret Park are family-friendly with good access to amenities.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Carteret based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Residents must obtain permits for home renovations and adhere to strict waste collection schedules.

Financial Tools

Calculators
Planning Tools

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📊 Carteret — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$79,049
👤 Median Age
37.5
🏠 Homeownership Rate
54.4%
🔑 Renter Rate
45.6%
📉 Poverty Rate
10.1%
💼 Unemployment Rate
7.3%
📡 Internet Access
84.5%
🎓 College Educated
25.3%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs peak in winter due to heating needs, while summer sees moderate increases from air conditioning usage.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: property tax millage rates vary by neighborhood, with no local surtaxes specific to Carteret county.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

Score 6/10 with explanation: sidewalks are decent in newer areas, parks are accessible, but transit elevator access is limited.

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