Cost of Living in Union City
Union City's cost of living pairs housing costs and a property-tax rate genuinely below pricier Bergen County Tier B markets built alongside it, against a median household income well below Hudson County's more affluent waterfront cities.
Exploring the idea of moving?
We can connect you with a local real estate professional who knows the area -- no pressure, just a starting point.
Learn moreA real, below-Bergen-County home-value point
Union City's median home value ran approximately $515,800 per aggregator-style sourcing reviewed this pass -- genuinely above the national median, but below pricier Bergen County Tier B markets built alongside it in this batch (Fort Lee, Englewood).
A comparatively lower effective property-tax rate
Union City's median effective property tax rate (1.95%, Ownwell) runs below New Jersey's own statewide median (2.88%, per the same aggregator) and below several pricier Bergen County towns, though still above the national median (1.02%). The median annual tax bill ($9,994) has risen a real, disclosed 19.1% over the four years since 2021.
A genuinely lower household income base
Union City's median household income ($64,310) runs genuinely below Hudson County's more affluent Hoboken/Jersey City waterfront figures and below New Jersey's own statewide median -- a real, honest reflection of the city's working-class, immigrant-driven economic base.
New Jersey's statewide income tax applies regardless
New Jersey's graduated 7-bracket income tax (1.4%-10.75%) applies statewide, and Union City levies no separate city income or payroll tax of its own, unlike Newark.
Key takeaways
- Median home value ($515,800) runs above the national median but below pricier Bergen County Tier B markets in this batch.
- Effective property tax rate (1.95%) runs below New Jersey's own statewide median, though the tax bill has risen 19.1% since 2021.
- Median household income ($64,310) runs genuinely below Hudson County's more affluent waterfront cities.
- New Jersey's statewide graduated income tax (1.4%-10.75%) applies regardless of city.
Want to know what your budget actually buys here?
Tell us a bit about what you're looking for and we'll connect you with someone local who can walk you through real numbers.
Get local guidanceRead the full Union City overview for the complete picture -- housing, taxes, climate, and who this place genuinely fits.
Planning a move?
Tell us what you're looking for and we'll connect you with a local expert who can help you make it happen.
Talk to a local expert