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Cost of Living Data profile

Cost of Living in New Jersey: Rent, Housing & Income

  • Official data · Census ACS 2024 · BEA 2024 · EIA July–September 2026
Updated  7 sources

Cost of living vs. U.S. average (2024)

8.8% above

Cost of living in New Jersey is 8.8% above the U.S. average, based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis 2024 Regional Price Parities for New Jersey (index 108.8; U.S. = 100). Median rent in New Jersey is $1,800 a month.

Cost of living in New Jersey by category

Overall prices

108.8U.S. = 100

Regional price parity, all items

+8.8% vs. U.S.

Goods
107.1 +7.1%
Housing (rents)
134.3 +34.3%
Utilities
114.2 +14.2%
Other services
103.5 +3.5%

BEA 2024 · New Jersey Details: Overall prices

Housing

$1,800/mo

Median gross rent

+21% vs. U.S.

1-bedroom rent
$1,554 +19% vs. U.S.
2-bedroom rent
$1,885 +27% vs. U.S.
3-bedroom rent
$2,159 +29% vs. U.S.
Median home value
$496,000 +38% vs. U.S.
Owner costs, mortgage
$2,797 +37% vs. U.S.

Census ACS 2024 Details: Housing

Utilities

$158/mo

Average electric bill

About the same as U.S.

Electricity price
25.2¢/kWh +38% vs. U.S.
Natural gas, 12-mo avg.
$16.07/Mcf −17% vs. U.S.
Utilities price index
114.2

EIA July 2026 · New Jersey Details: Utilities

Transportation

31.9min

Mean travel time to work

+17% vs. U.S.

Commute mode: drove alone
63.3%
Work from home
13.5%
Gasoline (PADD 1B avg.)
$4.37/gal About the same as U.S.

Census ACS 2024 · EIA September 2026 Details: Transportation

Food at home

$1,388/mo

Moderate-cost plan, family of 4

Thrifty plan, family of 4
$1,024/mo
Liberal plan, family of 4
$1,679/mo
Moderate plan, single woman
$403/mo
Moderate plan, single man
$478/mo

USDA August 2026 · U.S. average Details: Food at home

Child care

$304/wk

Center care, infant

+75% vs. U.S.

Center care, toddler
$296/wk +93% vs. U.S.
Center care, preschool
$296/wk +105% vs. U.S.
Home-based care, infant
$192/wk +34% vs. U.S.

DOL NDCP 2022 prices · New Jersey county median Details: Child care

Income

$104,294/yr

Median household income

+28% vs. U.S.

Median rent as share of income
21%
Home value to income
4.8×

Census ACS 2024 Details: Income

Housing costs in New Jersey

Median gross rent in New Jersey is $1,800 a month, 21% above the U.S. median of $1,487. The median falls in the $1,500–$1,999 range, which holds 27.6% of renter households paying cash rent. Another 38.9% pay $2,000 or more.

The median owner-occupied home is valued at $496,000, and 9.4% of homes are valued at $1,000,000 or more.

Housing costs: New Jersey vs. U.S.

Median monthly rent

Median monthly rent New Jersey: $1,800; U.S.: $1,487 New Jersey $1,800 U.S. $1,487

Monthly owner costs

Monthly owner costs New Jersey: $2,797; U.S.: $2,035 New Jersey $2,797 U.S. $2,035

Median home value

Median home value New Jersey: $496,000; U.S.: $360,600 New Jersey $496,000 U.S. $360,600
Show the data table
MeasureNew JerseyU.S.
Median monthly rent$1,800$1,487
Monthly owner costs$2,797$2,035
Median home value$496,000$360,600

Rent is median gross rent; owner costs are for homes with a mortgage. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

What renters pay in New Jersey

What renters pay in New Jersey Share of renter households paying cash rent in New Jersey by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $500, holds 6.1%; the top range, $3,500 or more, holds 6%. Median $1,800. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $500: 6.1% (U.S.: 6.1%) $500–$749: 2.8% (U.S.: 6.8%) $750–$999: 4.5% (U.S.: 11.5%) $1,000–$1,249: 8.6% (U.S.: 13.5%) $1,250–$1,499: 11.5% (U.S.: 12.9%) $1,500–$1,999: 27.6% (U.S.: 22.2%) $2,000–$2,499: 18% (U.S.: 13.2%) $2,500–$2,999: 9.6% (U.S.: 6.5%) $3,000–$3,499: 5.3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $3,500 or more: 6% (U.S.: 4.2%) $500–750 $1–1.25K $1.5–2K $2.5–3K $3.5K+ Median $1,800 (New Jersey) 27.6%
Show the data table
RangeNew JerseyU.S.
Less than $5006.1%6.1%
$500–$7492.8%6.8%
$750–$9994.5%11.5%
$1,000–$1,2498.6%13.5%
$1,250–$1,49911.5%12.9%
$1,500–$1,99927.6%22.2%
$2,000–$2,49918%13.2%
$2,500–$2,9999.6%6.5%
$3,000–$3,4995.3%3.2%
$3,500 or more6%4.2%

Share of renter households paying cash rent. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25063. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Home values in New Jersey

Home values in New Jersey Share of owner-occupied homes in New Jersey by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $100,000, holds 4.1%; the top range, $1,500,000 or more, holds 3.5%. Median $496,000. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $100,000: 4.1% (U.S.: 10.2%) $100,000–$149,999: 1.6% (U.S.: 5.7%) $150,000–$199,999: 3.1% (U.S.: 7.5%) $200,000–$249,999: 4.6% (U.S.: 8.4%) $250,000–$299,999: 6% (U.S.: 8.5%) $300,000–$399,999: 14.7% (U.S.: 15.9%) $400,000–$499,999: 16.6% (U.S.: 12%) $500,000–$749,999: 27.5% (U.S.: 16.3%) $750,000–$999,999: 12.4% (U.S.: 7.5%) $1,000,000–$1,499,999: 5.9% (U.S.: 4.3%) $1,500,000 or more: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.7%) <$100K $100–150K $150–200K $250–300K $400–500K $500–750K $750K–1M $1.5M+ Median $496,000 (New Jersey) 27.5%
Show the data table
RangeNew JerseyU.S.
Less than $100,0004.1%10.2%
$100,000–$149,9991.6%5.7%
$150,000–$199,9993.1%7.5%
$200,000–$249,9994.6%8.4%
$250,000–$299,9996%8.5%
$300,000–$399,99914.7%15.9%
$400,000–$499,99916.6%12%
$500,000–$749,99927.5%16.3%
$750,000–$999,99912.4%7.5%
$1,000,000–$1,499,9995.9%4.3%
$1,500,000 or more3.5%3.7%

Share of owner-occupied homes. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B25075. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Monthly housing costs in New Jersey

Measure New Jersey U.S.
Median rent (all units) $1,800$1,487
1-bedroom rent $1,554$1,301
2-bedroom rent $1,885$1,490
3-bedroom rent $2,159$1,677
Owner costs with a mortgage $2,797$2,035

Median gross rent includes utilities the renter pays. Owner costs include the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities. American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

How affordable is New Jersey?

At the median, rent takes about 21% of household income in New Jersey. Housing experts treat 30% as the limit before a household is considered cost-burdened. To keep the median rent at 30% of income, a household would need to earn about $72,000 a year.

The median home is worth $496,000, or 4.8 times the median household income.

Household income in New Jersey

The median household in New Jersey earns $104,294 a year, 28% above the U.S. median of $81,604. About 21.8% of households earn $200,000 or more, while 11% earn less than $25,000.

Median household income: New Jersey vs. U.S.

Median household income (yearly)

Median household income (yearly) New Jersey: $104,294; U.S.: $81,604 New Jersey $104,294 U.S. $81,604
Show the data table
MeasureNew JerseyU.S.
Median household income (yearly)$104,294$81,604

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Household income distribution in New Jersey

Household income distribution in New Jersey Share of households in New Jersey by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than $10,000, holds 4.3%; the top range, $200,000 or more, holds 21.8%. Median $104,294. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 10% 20% 30% Less than $10,000: 4.3% (U.S.: 5.1%) $10,000–$14,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3.3%) $15,000–$19,999: 1.9% (U.S.: 2.8%) $20,000–$24,999: 2.4% (U.S.: 3.2%) $25,000–$29,999: 2.2% (U.S.: 3%) $30,000–$34,999: 2.5% (U.S.: 3.3%) $35,000–$39,999: 2.3% (U.S.: 3.2%) $40,000–$44,999: 2.6% (U.S.: 3.5%) $45,000–$49,999: 2.6% (U.S.: 3.2%) $50,000–$59,999: 5% (U.S.: 6.4%) $60,000–$74,999: 8% (U.S.: 9.2%) $75,000–$99,999: 11.4% (U.S.: 12.6%) $100,000–$124,999: 10.3% (U.S.: 10.4%) $125,000–$149,999: 8.2% (U.S.: 7.4%) $150,000–$199,999: 11.9% (U.S.: 9.7%) $200,000 or more: 21.8% (U.S.: 13.7%) $10–15K $20–25K $30–35K $40–45K $50–60K $75–100K $125–150K $200K+ Median $104,294 (New Jersey) 21.8%
Show the data table
RangeNew JerseyU.S.
Less than $10,0004.3%5.1%
$10,000–$14,9992.4%3.3%
$15,000–$19,9991.9%2.8%
$20,000–$24,9992.4%3.2%
$25,000–$29,9992.2%3%
$30,000–$34,9992.5%3.3%
$35,000–$39,9992.3%3.2%
$40,000–$44,9992.6%3.5%
$45,000–$49,9992.6%3.2%
$50,000–$59,9995%6.4%
$60,000–$74,9998%9.2%
$75,000–$99,99911.4%12.6%
$100,000–$124,99910.3%10.4%
$125,000–$149,9998.2%7.4%
$150,000–$199,99911.9%9.7%
$200,000 or more21.8%13.7%

Share of households. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B19001. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Income and home values

Measure New Jersey U.S.
Median household income (yearly) $104,294$81,604
Median home value $496,000$360,600

American Community Survey 2024 1-year estimates. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Price levels compared with the U.S.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis publishes Regional Price Parities: price levels for the same basket of goods and services, with the U.S. average set to 100. In 2024, New Jersey scored 108.8 for all items. The highest category is housing rents at 134.3; the lowest is other services at 103.5.

Regional price parities by category (U.S. = 100)

All items

All items New Jersey: 108.8; U.S.: 100.0 New Jersey 108.8 U.S. 100.0

Goods

Goods New Jersey: 107.1; U.S.: 99.6 New Jersey 107.1 U.S. 99.6

Housing (rents)

Housing (rents) New Jersey: 134.3; U.S.: 100.6 New Jersey 134.3 U.S. 100.6

Utilities

Utilities New Jersey: 114.2; U.S.: 98.4 New Jersey 114.2 U.S. 98.4

Other services

Other services New Jersey: 103.5; U.S.: 100.1 New Jersey 103.5 U.S. 100.1
Show the data table
MeasureNew JerseyU.S.
All items108.8100.0
Goods107.199.6
Housing (rents)134.3100.6
Utilities114.298.4
Other services103.5100.1

Index, U.S. = 100. Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities, 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities

Utilities and energy costs

Households in New Jersey paid an average of 25.2¢ per kWh for electricity in July 2026, compared with 18.3¢ nationally. Over the past 12 months the average residential bill was $158 a month (U.S.: $157). Residential natural gas averaged $16.07 per thousand cubic feet over the 12 months to July 2026 (U.S.: $19.40).

Energy prices: New Jersey vs. U.S.

Electricity price (¢/kWh)

Electricity price (¢/kWh) New Jersey: 25.2¢; U.S.: 18.3¢ New Jersey 25.2¢ U.S. 18.3¢

Average electric bill (monthly)

Average electric bill (monthly) New Jersey: $158; U.S.: $157 New Jersey $158 U.S. $157

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)

Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf) New Jersey: $16.07; U.S.: $19.40 New Jersey $16.07 U.S. $19.40
Show the data table
MeasureNew JerseyU.S.
Electricity price (¢/kWh)25.2¢18.3¢
Average electric bill (monthly)$158$157
Natural gas, 12-mo avg. ($/Mcf)$16.07$19.40

Residential customers. Electricity price for July 2026; electric bill and natural gas are 12-month averages. U.S. Energy Information Administration. Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly: residential retail sales; EIA Natural Gas Monthly: price delivered to residential consumers

Transportation and commuting

Workers in New Jersey who commute spend an average of 31.9 minutes getting to work (U.S.: 27.2 minutes). The most common way to get to work is to drive alone (63.3% of workers); 13.5% work from home. Gasoline in the Central Atlantic region (PADD 1B), which includes New Jersey, averaged $4.37 a gallon for regular in September 2026, compared with $4.36 nationally. EIA publishes no separate New Jersey price.

How workers get to work

How workers get to work New Jersey: Drove alone 63.3%, Carpooled 8.3%, Public transit 9.7%, Walked 2.5%, Bicycle 0.3%, Worked from home 13.5%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 2.4%. U.S.: Drove alone 69.2%, Carpooled 9.2%, Public transit 3.7%, Walked 2.4%, Bicycle 0.5%, Worked from home 13.3%, Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.) 1.7%. Most common in New Jersey: Drove alone. New Jersey New Jersey · Drove alone: 63.3% 63.3% New Jersey · Carpooled: 8.3% New Jersey · Public transit: 9.7% New Jersey · Walked: 2.5% New Jersey · Bicycle: 0.3% New Jersey · Worked from home: 13.5% 13.5% New Jersey · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 2.4% U.S. U.S. · Drove alone: 69.2% 69.2% U.S. · Carpooled: 9.2% U.S. · Public transit: 3.7% U.S. · Walked: 2.4% U.S. · Bicycle: 0.5% U.S. · Worked from home: 13.3% 13.3% U.S. · Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.): 1.7%
Show the data table
Means of transportationNew JerseyU.S.
Drove alone63.3%69.2%
Carpooled8.3%9.2%
Public transit9.7%3.7%
Walked2.5%2.4%
Bicycle0.3%0.5%
Worked from home13.5%13.3%
Other (taxi, motorcycle, etc.)2.4%1.7%

Share of workers 16 and over. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08301. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Travel time to work in New Jersey

Travel time to work in New Jersey Share of workers who do not work from home in New Jersey by range; ranges differ in width. The bottom range, less than 5 min, holds 2%; the top range, 90 min or more, holds 5.3%. Mean 31.9 min. The U.S. distribution is drawn as a line. 0% 5% 10% 15% Less than 5 min: 2% (U.S.: 2.8%) 5–9 min: 7.5% (U.S.: 9.4%) 10–14 min: 11.2% (U.S.: 13.1%) 15–19 min: 12.7% (U.S.: 15%) 20–24 min: 12.7% (U.S.: 14.1%) 25–29 min: 7% (U.S.: 7%) 30–34 min: 12.9% (U.S.: 13.7%) 35–39 min: 3.5% (U.S.: 3.4%) 40–44 min: 5.2% (U.S.: 4.1%) 45–59 min: 10.1% (U.S.: 8.3%) 60–89 min: 9.8% (U.S.: 6.3%) 90 min or more: 5.3% (U.S.: 3%) <5 5–9 10–14 15–19 20–24 25–29 30–34 35–39 40–44 45–59 60–89 90+ Mean 31.9 min (New Jersey) 12.9%
Show the data table
RangeNew JerseyU.S.
Less than 5 min2%2.8%
5–9 min7.5%9.4%
10–14 min11.2%13.1%
15–19 min12.7%15%
20–24 min12.7%14.1%
25–29 min7%7%
30–34 min12.9%13.7%
35–39 min3.5%3.4%
40–44 min5.2%4.1%
45–59 min10.1%8.3%
60–89 min9.8%6.3%
90 min or more5.3%3%

Share of workers who do not work from home. Census ACS 2024 1-year estimates, table B08303. Source: American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau)

Child care costs in New Jersey

In 2022, full-time center-based care for an infant had a median price of $304 a week in the median New Jersey county, or $15,789 over 52 weeks. That is 75% above the U.S. county median of $174. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation.

Weekly child care prices (2022)

Type of care New Jersey (county median) U.S. (county median)
Center-based care, infant $304$174
Center-based care, toddler $296$153
Center-based care, preschool $296$144
Center-based care, school-age $143$120
Home-based family care, infant $192$143
Home-based family care, toddler $195$132
Home-based family care, preschool $182$131
Home-based family care, school-age $162$118

Median weekly price for full-time care. State and U.S. figures are medians of county medians. Prices are for 2022 and are not adjusted for inflation. U.S. Department of Labor, National Database of Childcare Prices. Source: National Database of Childcare Prices (U.S. Department of Labor, Women's Bureau)

Food costs

USDA's moderate-cost food plan puts groceries for a family of four at $1,388 a month in August 2026; the thrifty plan comes to $1,024. USDA publishes these as national averages, not city figures, so they show a typical grocery budget rather than New Jersey prices.

Monthly cost of food at home (August 2026)

USDA food plan U.S. family of 4 U.S. couple U.S. single man U.S. single woman
Thrifty $1,024$630$383$304
Low-cost $1,126$652$381$331
Moderate-cost $1,388$808$478$403
Liberal $1,679$1,007$583$515

Family of 4: two adults and two children aged 6–8 and 9–11. For a single man, the Thrifty plan costs more than the Low-cost plan: USDA re-evaluated the Thrifty plan in 2021, while the other plans still use older market baskets. USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Official Food Plans, August 2026. Source: USDA Food Plans: Cost of Food at Home (monthly reports)

Frequently asked questions

What is the average rent in New Jersey?

Median rent is $1,554 for a one-bedroom and $1,885 for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities the renter pays.

How much do most renters pay in New Jersey?

Among renter households paying cash rent, 13.4% pay less than $1,000 a month, 47.7% pay $1,000 to $1,999, and 38.9% pay $2,000 or more (Census ACS 2024).

How much do you need to make to live in New Jersey?

To keep the median rent of $1,800 at no more than 30% of income, a household needs about $72,000 a year before taxes. This covers housing only.

Is New Jersey more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. The Bureau of Economic Analysis puts overall prices in New Jersey at 108.8 for 2024 (U.S. = 100), 8.8% above average. Housing rents score 134.3.

How long is the average commute in New Jersey?

31.9 minutes one way for workers who commute, compared with 27.2 minutes nationally (Census ACS 2024).

How much does infant day care cost in New Jersey?

The median price for full-time center-based infant care was $304 a week in the median New Jersey county in 2022, according to the Department of Labor's National Database of Childcare Prices.