What is the cost of living in New Jersey?

New Jersey has an average cost of living index of 140, which is 26% above the national average of 111. Average monthly rent across tracked cities is $2,388, and average median household income is $65,217.

What is the cheapest city in New Jersey?

Paterson is the most affordable city tracked in New Jersey, with a cost index of 122 and median rent of $2,088/month.

What is the most expensive city in New Jersey?

Jersey is the most expensive city tracked in New Jersey, with a cost index of 178 and median rent of $3,048/month.

What is the average rent in New Jersey?

The average monthly rent across 4 tracked cities in New Jersey is $2,388. The cheapest rent is in Paterson at $2,088/month.

What is the average household income in New Jersey?

The average median household income across tracked cities in New Jersey is $65,217. The highest-earning city is Jersey at $94,813.

Is New Jersey affordable to live in?

New Jersey's average rent-to-income ratio is 45.2%. Financial advisors recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income. New Jersey can be a financial stretch, with rent exceeding 30% of typical incomes in many cities. Paterson offers the best value at a cost index of 122.

Home/New Jersey

4 cities tracked

New Jersey

Compare affordability, taxes, rent pressure, and earnings across New Jersey’s tracked cities with a single state-level intelligence view.

All Rankings

Most affordable: Paterson

Highest income: Jersey

Avg rent: $2,388

Avg Cost Index

0/ 100

State Population

Avg Income

Avg Rent

$0/mo

Avg Home Price

Tracked City Pop

State Intelligence Overview

Core metrics, city comparisons, and tax signals

Most Affordable

Paterson

Index: 122Rent: $2,088

Most Expensive

Jersey

Index: 178Rent: $3,048

Highest Income

Jersey

$94,813Rent: $3,048

New Jersey vs National Average

Cost Index

140

+26.1% vs avg

Avg Rent

$2,388

+26.0% vs avg

Avg Income

$65,217

-18.9% vs avg

Cities in New Jersey

City	Cost	Rent	Income	Home Price	Pop	Rent/Inc
Newark	124	$2,121	$48,416	$474,178	304,960	52.6%
Jersey	178	$3,048	$94,813	$653,810	291,657	38.6%
Paterson	122	$2,088	$53,766	$527,848	156,452	46.6%
Elizabeth	134	$2,293	$63,874	$533,247	135,829	43.1%