State Housing Overview
Rent & Housing in New Jersey
Based on comprehensive economic data across 292 tracked municipalities, New Jersey presents diverse cost of living environments. Macroeconomic modeling identifies Salem as the most cost-efficient market, contrasting starkly with the elevated real estate valuations found in Short Hills. New Jersey assesses a 10.75% progressive income tax, while residential property taxes average 2.47%. Financial planning in NJ requires careful alignment of localized housing costs against state-level tax obligations.
Use this state hub to understand the statewide housing baseline first, then drop into city pages for a household-level feasibility verdict. The key question here is not just whether New Jersey is “cheap” or “expensive”, but which cities look most livable once rent, home values, taxes, and household income are considered together.
Data Updated: March 2026
State Housing Snapshot
Average Rent Burden
19%
Avg annual rent vs household income
Average Price-to-Income
4.9x
Avg home value vs household income
Best Cost Baseline
Salem, NJ
Index 71
Highest Pressure
Short Hills, NJ
Index 354
Statewide Housing Verdict
High Pressure
New Jersey shows elevated statewide housing pressure, with 19% average rent burden and 4.9x home-price-to-income. Treat Short Hills, NJ as stretch markets first, and use city pages to separate viable relocation pockets from headline expensive metros.
Average rent burden: 19%Average price-to-income: 4.9xBest baseline city: Salem, NJHighest-pressure city: Short Hills, NJ
New Jersey Tax Radar
Max Income Tax
10.75%
Progressive Brackets
Est. Sales Tax
6.6%
Local + State Avg
Effective Property Tax
2.47%
Statewide Average
$
Default set to 2023 National Median ($74,580)At a gross income of $74,580, the localized New Jersey marginal tax brackets exact an effective state penalty of 3.2%. This results in an absolute "tax drag" drain of $2,352/year compared to states with no income tax.
Cities Tracked
292
Avg Home Value
$587,049
National: $303,400
Avg Rent
$1,856
National: $1,348
Avg Income
$120,354
National: $78,538
Lower Housing Pressure Cities
These city pages have comparatively lower rent burden inside New Jersey, making them strong candidates for the next housing-feasibility clicks.
Biggest Move-Market Cities
These are the highest-population city pages in the state, useful when you want the major relocation targets before exploring the full table.
Rent Pressure Outliers
These city pages show the highest rent burden inside New Jersey. They are useful when you want to see where renting starts to materially squeeze household budgets.
Buy Pressure Outliers
These city pages have the toughest home-price-to-income ratios in New Jersey, making them the first places to inspect when buy-side affordability is the core concern.
Most Affordable
All Cities in New Jersey
| City | Pop. | Home Value | Rent | Income | Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 307,188 | $474,178 | $2,121 | $48,416 | 134 |
| Jersey City | 289,691 | $534,500 | $1,902 | $94,813 | 139 |
| Paterson | 157,660 | $527,848 | $1,457 | $53,766 | 133 |
| Elizabeth | 135,887 | $533,247 | $1,463 | $63,874 | 134 |
| Toms River | 93,915 | $448,732 | $1,678 | $95,759 | 126 |
| Trenton | 89,966 | $342,790 | $2,183 | $47,102 | 115 |
| Clifton | 89,247 | $600,068 | $1,658 | $99,003 | 144 |
| Camden | 71,471 | $147,320 | $1,157 | $40,450 | 81 |
| Bayonne | 70,468 | $577,301 | $2,327 | $81,285 | 148 |
| Lakewood | 69,884 | $569,448 | $1,647 | $57,576 | 140 |
| Passaic | 69,651 | $543,409 | $1,392 | $56,780 | 134 |
| East Orange | 69,183 | $468,068 | $1,372 | $59,872 | 125 |
| Union City | 66,375 | $551,272 | $2,366 | $65,369 | 146 |
| Vineland | 60,692 | $301,488 | $1,207 | $65,854 | 99 |
| Hoboken | 58,340 | $872,100 | $3,887 | $176,943 | 200 |
| New Brunswick | 55,744 | $436,243 | $1,790 | $60,248 | 126 |
| Perth Amboy | 55,278 | $490,041 | $1,629 | $58,490 | 131 |
| Plainfield | 54,515 | $508,274 | $1,673 | $80,334 | 133 |
| West New York | 51,683 | $457,883 | $2,506 | $67,139 | 137 |
| Hackensack | 45,768 | $370,300 | $1,794 | $82,212 | 119 |
| Sayreville | 45,237 | $533,142 | $1,641 | $98,629 | 136 |
| Sicklerville | 44,500 | $371,940 | $1,561 | $102,881 | 112 |
| Linden | 43,614 | $542,929 | $1,677 | $91,036 | 137 |
| Kearny | 40,570 | $570,803 | $1,649 | $83,212 | 140 |
| Fort Lee | 39,818 | $575,834 | $2,255 | $105,535 | 147 |
| Atlantic City | 38,486 | $213,186 | $1,084 | $36,220 | 87 |
| Fair Lawn | 35,153 | $697,458 | $1,908 | $147,952 | 158 |
| Garfield | 32,502 | $564,596 | $1,612 | $75,701 | 139 |
| Long Branch | 32,184 | $782,331 | $1,744 | $73,381 | 166 |
| Westfield | 30,760 | $1,248,283 | $2,211 | $212,700 | 224 |
| Princeton | 30,451 | $943,925 | $2,448 | $184,113 | 187 |
| Rahway | 29,748 | $524,825 | $1,764 | $90,852 | 136 |
| Englewood | 29,342 | $606,097 | $1,925 | $101,398 | 147 |
| Bergenfield | 28,269 | $615,063 | $1,744 | $124,083 | 146 |
| Old Bridge | 28,015 | $457,800 | $1,426 | $106,934 | 116 |
| Millville | 27,432 | $250,971 | $1,207 | $67,190 | 93 |
| Bridgeton | 26,836 | $249,881 | $1,367 | $46,124 | 94 |
| Paramus | 26,500 | $1,012,734 | $2,845 | $139,707 | 204 |
| Ridgewood | 26,076 | $882,700 | $2,340 | $217,250 | 184 |
| Lodi | 25,946 | $608,947 | $1,675 | $84,570 | 145 |
| Cliffside Park | 25,580 | $627,781 | $1,783 | $94,960 | 148 |
| Carteret | 25,187 | $543,351 | $2,012 | $87,553 | 141 |
| South Plainfield | 24,231 | $570,339 | $1,928 | $126,063 | 143 |
| Somerset | 23,851 | $563,690 | $2,050 | $113,603 | 144 |
| Glassboro | 23,375 | $357,635 | $1,561 | $80,388 | 110 |
| North Plainfield | 22,667 | $488,595 | $1,651 | $83,529 | 131 |
| Summit | 22,512 | $1,330,428 | $2,308 | $199,107 | 235 |
| Roselle | 22,455 | $507,614 | $1,499 | $82,967 | 131 |
| Hillsborough | 22,302 | $411,400 | $1,898 | $142,275 | 116 |
| Parsippany | 21,869 | $540,800 | $1,732 | $102,152 | 129 |
| Lindenwold | 21,534 | $262,721 | $1,265 | $55,099 | 96 |
| Secaucus | 21,437 | $646,549 | $2,197 | $134,746 | 155 |
| Elmwood Park | 21,287 | $600,240 | $2,025 | $100,852 | 148 |
| Pleasantville | 20,604 | $235,786 | $1,328 | $52,403 | 93 |
| Morristown | 20,256 | $862,203 | $2,171 | $115,409 | 179 |
| Palisades Park | 20,192 | $970,334 | $1,976 | $101,295 | 190 |
| Woodbridge | 20,086 | $477,742 | $2,077 | $99,718 | 134 |
| Harrison | 19,599 | $575,955 | $2,073 | $82,290 | 146 |
| Hawthorne | 19,472 | $614,306 | $1,828 | $118,093 | 147 |
| Tinton Falls | 19,252 | $613,650 | $2,103 | $113,844 | 150 |
| Point Pleasant | 19,158 | $716,491 | $1,969 | $108,713 | 160 |
| Iselin | 19,151 | $552,085 | $2,051 | $112,615 | 142 |
| Rutherford | 18,748 | $719,567 | $1,859 | $136,069 | 160 |
| Ocean Acres | 18,689 | $359,200 | $2,240 | $117,739 | 114 |
| Preakness | 18,538 | $603,200 | $1,946 | $133,168 | 139 |
| Dover | 18,420 | $497,747 | $1,743 | $70,519 | 133 |
| Colonia | 18,294 | $621,925 | $1,964 | $134,301 | 150 |
| Dumont | 18,072 | $646,935 | $1,778 | $125,585 | 150 |
| Avenel | 17,143 | $519,145 | $1,839 | $95,935 | 136 |
| New Milford | 16,882 | $709,435 | $1,722 | $113,513 | 157 |
| Madison | 16,464 | $965,654 | $2,248 | $168,469 | 192 |
| North Arlington | 16,368 | $602,901 | $1,706 | $101,493 | 145 |
| South River | 16,007 | $520,132 | $1,599 | $101,853 | 134 |
| Springdale | 15,672 | $454,200 | $1,193 | $179,531 | 113 |
| Princeton Meadows | 15,382 | $636,300 | $1,937 | $124,065 | 143 |
| Tenafly | 15,252 | $1,233,578 | $3,143 | $208,088 | 233 |
| Phillipsburg | 15,251 | $180,700 | $1,118 | $67,782 | 84 |
| Asbury Park | 15,239 | $678,959 | $1,679 | $71,080 | 153 |
| Metuchen | 14,982 | $666,582 | $2,019 | $157,779 | 155 |
| Highland Park | 14,981 | $574,346 | $1,881 | $101,991 | 143 |
| Fairview | 14,920 | $639,081 | $1,597 | $64,152 | 147 |
| Williamstown | 14,855 | $359,725 | $1,262 | $87,021 | 107 |
| Cherry Hill Mall | 14,827 | $313,000 | $2,069 | $117,535 | 107 |
| Hammonton | 14,746 | $363,676 | $1,375 | $83,044 | 108 |
| Ramsey | 14,722 | $841,006 | $2,009 | $164,767 | 175 |
| Edgewater | 14,544 | $711,285 | $2,645 | $137,847 | 167 |
| Moorestown-Lenola | 14,523 | $533,400 | $1,487 | $134,167 | 126 |
| Middlesex | 14,518 | $531,432 | $1,493 | $107,063 | 134 |
| Hopatcong | 14,470 | $441,667 | $1,563 | $114,057 | 124 |
| Short Hills | 14,398 | $2,265,210 | $3,259 | $250,001 | 354 |
| Bradley Gardens | 14,315 | $508,800 | $2,615 | $177,590 | 136 |
| West Freehold | 14,233 | $507,600 | $2,107 | $120,570 | 129 |
| Collingswood | 14,163 | $435,360 | $1,420 | $83,917 | 117 |
| Roselle Park | 13,965 | $532,546 | $1,585 | $104,418 | 135 |
| Westmont | 13,870 | $374,300 | $1,728 | $111,589 | 110 |
| Mercerville | 13,693 | $330,500 | $1,704 | $125,678 | 105 |
| Echelon | 13,577 | $288,000 | $1,697 | $81,808 | 100 |
| New Providence | 13,577 | $967,270 | $1,906 | $162,877 | 189 |
| Eatontown | 13,537 | $454,300 | $1,599 | $90,174 | 126 |
| Franklin Park | 13,327 | $326,800 | $2,074 | $111,508 | 117 |
| Woodland Park | 13,284 | $632,974 | $1,773 | $85,638 | 149 |
| Ridgefield Park | 13,167 | $569,192 | $1,633 | $98,184 | 140 |
| Florham Park | 13,134 | $1,009,491 | $3,009 | $147,714 | 206 |
| Fords | 13,052 | $414,100 | $1,976 | $116,250 | 126 |
| Somerville | 12,958 | $530,141 | $1,748 | $103,869 | 137 |
| Holiday City-Berkeley | 12,896 | $237,200 | $1,584 | $47,855 | 93 |
| Red Bank | 12,864 | $685,023 | $1,985 | $101,738 | 157 |
| Oakland | 12,700 | $733,416 | $1,462 | $162,862 | 157 |
| Freehold | 12,504 | $401,900 | $1,818 | $82,183 | 122 |
| Haddonfield | 12,502 | $809,568 | $1,783 | $190,882 | 165 |
| Upper Montclair | 12,279 | $968,200 | $2,290 | $250,001 | 185 |
| Pennsville | 12,238 | $188,100 | $1,225 | $75,162 | 87 |
| Glen Rock | 12,082 | $1,021,065 | $1,938 | $210,369 | 195 |
| Hasbrouck Heights | 12,067 | $699,558 | $1,605 | $118,670 | 155 |
| River Edge | 12,024 | $817,943 | $1,811 | $155,827 | 171 |
| Bound Brook | 12,023 | $496,307 | $1,842 | $80,876 | 134 |
| Martinsville | 12,016 | $702,700 | $2,183 | $206,839 | 153 |
| Robertsville | 11,859 | $645,100 | $2,605 | $204,421 | 151 |
| Wallington | 11,825 | $652,986 | $1,568 | $82,422 | 149 |
| Bellmawr | 11,678 | $306,343 | $1,141 | $74,812 | 100 |
| Hamilton Square | 11,643 | $376,900 | $1,817 | $135,694 | 111 |
| Guttenberg | 11,638 | $408,148 | $1,661 | $77,636 | 122 |
| Ringwood | 11,600 | $582,023 | $1,934 | $142,529 | 145 |
| Gloucester City | 11,465 | $235,013 | $1,489 | $70,942 | 95 |
| Ridgefield | 11,439 | $762,749 | $1,935 | $115,676 | 165 |
| Ocean City | 11,260 | $1,071,101 | $1,670 | $101,782 | 190 |
| Westwood | 11,221 | $742,128 | $2,351 | $169,026 | 168 |
| Wanaque | 11,162 | $501,247 | $1,885 | $112,326 | 135 |
| Greentree | 11,024 | $419,800 | $2,269 | $144,426 | 121 |
| Franklin Lakes | 11,011 | $1,503,991 | $3,334 | $230,987 | 267 |
| Pompton Lakes | 11,010 | $539,112 | $1,822 | $119,038 | 138 |
| Beachwood | 11,002 | $456,084 | $2,236 | $102,043 | 133 |
| Little Ferry | 10,942 | $581,849 | $1,798 | $79,476 | 143 |
| Totowa | 10,919 | $641,996 | $1,703 | $114,177 | 149 |
| Lincoln Park | 10,901 | $526,351 | $1,824 | $119,000 | 137 |
| Manville | 10,870 | $468,783 | $1,837 | $93,872 | 131 |
| Oak Ridge | 10,860 | $417,300 | $1,320 | $118,718 | 111 |
| McKee City | 10,843 | $232,000 | $1,745 | $81,667 | 94 |
| Pompton Plains | 10,766 | $488,200 | $3,297 | $113,661 | 141 |
| Kendall Park | 10,765 | $714,538 | $1,913 | $175,361 | 160 |
| Pine Hill | 10,762 | $275,367 | $1,174 | $68,725 | 96 |
| The Hills | 10,732 | $570,100 | $2,240 | $142,750 | 138 |
| Marlton | 10,473 | $314,500 | $1,598 | $94,160 | 102 |
| Somers Point | 10,461 | $408,809 | $1,308 | $68,542 | 112 |
| Lake Hiawatha | 10,406 | $402,500 | $1,426 | $101,500 | 110 |
| Lake Hopatcong | 10,383 | $388,300 | $1,599 | $111,614 | 110 |
| East Franklin | 10,281 | $366,900 | $1,794 | $105,363 | 110 |
| Blackwells Mills | 10,220 | $736,000 | $3,148 | $248,149 | 168 |
| East Rutherford | 10,154 | $618,650 | $1,867 | $91,789 | 148 |
| Hackettstown | 10,143 | $477,993 | $1,419 | $91,250 | 122 |
| Budd Lake | 10,106 | $540,991 | $1,326 | $113,036 | 133 |
| Wood-Ridge | 10,094 | $679,393 | $1,886 | $131,412 | 155 |
| Waldwick | 10,090 | $717,906 | $3,189 | $155,526 | 174 |
| Hillsdale | 10,086 | $819,800 | $1,720 | $169,862 | 170 |
| Brookdale | 10,044 | $527,200 | $1,698 | $150,489 | 127 |
| Maywood | 10,042 | $664,725 | $1,932 | $119,306 | 154 |
| White Horse | 10,040 | $274,300 | $1,627 | $100,896 | 97 |
| Woodbury | 9,992 | $329,237 | $957 | $74,769 | 100 |
| Kinnelon | 9,971 | $807,382 | $2,307 | $178,102 | 175 |
| Burlington | 9,904 | $221,000 | $1,598 | $78,009 | 91 |
| Villas | 9,897 | $385,472 | $1,418 | $74,203 | 108 |
| Succasunna | 9,866 | $483,300 | $2,299 | $164,555 | 137 |
| Keansburg | 9,729 | $372,217 | $1,649 | $87,484 | 117 |
| South Amboy | 9,714 | $515,946 | $1,644 | $110,125 | 134 |
| Matawan | 9,636 | $632,024 | $1,714 | $122,026 | 148 |
| Browns Mills | 9,561 | $318,895 | $1,192 | $71,975 | 101 |
| Monmouth Junction | 9,457 | $681,974 | $1,880 | $125,892 | 156 |
| Ashland | 9,437 | $305,700 | $2,105 | $112,009 | 106 |
| Leonia | 9,300 | $792,258 | $2,149 | $116,429 | 171 |
| Smithville | 9,260 | $270,600 | $1,477 | $72,875 | 95 |
| Pine Lake Park | 9,251 | $377,200 | $1,785 | $87,998 | 111 |
| Ventnor City | 9,220 | $625,791 | $1,477 | $74,619 | 139 |
| Chatham | 9,219 | $944,300 | $2,251 | $250,001 | 190 |
| Park Ridge | 9,218 | $822,307 | $1,995 | $165,391 | 173 |
| Lake Mohawk | 9,116 | $418,800 | $1,838 | $145,806 | 116 |
| Bogota | 9,110 | $590,140 | $1,893 | $107,321 | 145 |
| Cresskill | 9,101 | $981,136 | $2,311 | $173,293 | 195 |
| Absecon | 9,099 | $336,136 | $1,814 | $77,516 | 110 |
| Flanders | 8,949 | $492,600 | $1,872 | $149,769 | 133 |
| Haledon | 8,936 | $542,764 | $1,651 | $94,178 | 137 |
| Caldwell | 8,898 | $706,559 | $1,937 | $101,196 | 159 |
| Clayton | 8,867 | $317,422 | $1,204 | $89,375 | 102 |
| Whippany | 8,862 | $612,500 | $2,619 | $153,725 | 147 |
| Pitman | 8,834 | $349,372 | $1,474 | $96,199 | 108 |
| Boonton | 8,803 | $650,945 | $1,761 | $100,417 | 151 |
| Madison Park | 8,798 | $386,200 | $1,558 | $76,396 | 109 |
| North Haledon | 8,757 | $690,680 | $2,435 | $131,810 | 163 |
| White Meadow Lake | 8,706 | $441,000 | $2,623 | $150,042 | 128 |
| Audubon | 8,699 | $365,325 | $1,211 | $116,900 | 107 |
| Montvale | 8,625 | $894,364 | $2,241 | $183,664 | 184 |
| West Long Branch | 8,576 | $939,889 | $1,936 | $123,661 | 186 |
| Closter | 8,544 | $1,124,604 | $2,651 | $187,500 | 215 |
| Northfield | 8,427 | $381,608 | $1,554 | $104,042 | 112 |
| Upper Saddle River | 8,354 | $1,364,700 | $3,514 | $246,719 | 253 |
| Kenilworth | 8,339 | $622,087 | $2,119 | $126,295 | 151 |
| Newton | 8,336 | $430,567 | $1,383 | $73,679 | 121 |
| Twin Rivers | 8,315 | $273,900 | $1,583 | $98,831 | 97 |
| Runnemede | 8,310 | $316,005 | $1,383 | $100,366 | 103 |
| Dayton | 8,241 | $642,502 | $1,969 | $141,308 | 152 |
| Oradell | 8,197 | $957,611 | $2,202 | $214,736 | 191 |
| Raritan | 8,192 | $532,498 | $1,927 | $103,699 | 139 |
| Pomona | 8,141 | $244,500 | $897 | $100,382 | 86 |
| Spotswood | 8,112 | $557,113 | $1,097 | $101,388 | 132 |
| Butler | 8,072 | $538,782 | $1,455 | $110,375 | 134 |
| Atco | 8,037 | $348,175 | $0 | $101,976 | 107 |
| Crestwood Village | 7,951 | $95,700 | $1,236 | $38,396 | 73 |
| Carneys Point | 7,945 | $259,819 | $1,283 | $75,436 | 96 |
| Watsessing | 7,944 | $418,500 | $1,997 | $94,301 | 118 |
| Basking Ridge | 7,882 | $841,700 | $565 | $200,378 | 159 |
| Bernardsville | 7,871 | $979,321 | $2,155 | $231,006 | 193 |
| Glen Ridge | 7,827 | $1,103,768 | $2,347 | $248,016 | 209 |
| Fanwood | 7,714 | $773,071 | $2,368 | $176,667 | 172 |
| Dunellen | 7,711 | $517,456 | $1,461 | $84,789 | 132 |
| Brigantine | 7,702 | $687,933 | $1,499 | $88,906 | 147 |
| Bloomingdale | 7,686 | $536,151 | $1,772 | $126,221 | 138 |
| Mystic Island | 7,616 | $290,000 | $1,786 | $71,917 | 101 |
| Berlin | 7,503 | $381,092 | $1,399 | $101,008 | 111 |
| Haddon Heights | 7,488 | $478,833 | $1,195 | $126,055 | 120 |
| Palmyra | 7,447 | $304,630 | $1,680 | $85,014 | 105 |
| Washington | 7,287 | $260,200 | $1,374 | $79,280 | 93 |
| Rumson | 7,265 | $2,118,947 | $2,351 | $250,001 | 326 |
| Yorketown | 7,265 | $575,700 | $2,607 | $163,375 | 143 |
| Emerson | 7,263 | $762,712 | $1,926 | $153,963 | 165 |
| Wharton | 7,254 | $484,472 | $1,886 | $92,548 | 133 |
| Keyport | 7,159 | $486,514 | $1,379 | $79,036 | 127 |
| Barrington | 7,047 | $355,283 | $1,282 | $84,334 | 107 |
| Midland Park | 6,996 | $717,581 | $1,837 | $140,063 | 159 |
| Milltown | 6,994 | $597,544 | $1,500 | $119,958 | 142 |
| Mountainside | 6,967 | $1,033,256 | $3,517 | $210,100 | 214 |
| Stratford | 6,965 | $332,361 | $1,172 | $100,735 | 103 |
| Linwood | 6,954 | $474,617 | $2,070 | $135,904 | 128 |
| Lincroft | 6,901 | $719,000 | $843 | $168,945 | 148 |
| Allendale | 6,820 | $1,043,665 | $2,648 | $156,992 | 206 |
| Belle Mead | 6,772 | $777,600 | $2,645 | $219,215 | 167 |
| Heathcote | 6,689 | $563,500 | $1,468 | $127,391 | 129 |
| Green Knoll | 6,664 | $581,600 | $1,417 | $156,630 | 131 |
| North Caldwell | 6,622 | $1,103,501 | $3,250 | $203,140 | 219 |
| Strathmore | 6,593 | $503,600 | $1,497 | $155,048 | 122 |
| Rockaway | 6,589 | $427,800 | $1,496 | $100,028 | 114 |
| Ramblewood | 6,542 | $376,900 | $1,963 | $110,130 | 113 |
| Watchung | 6,429 | $1,037,822 | $2,571 | $166,536 | 204 |
| Ramtown | 6,410 | $452,500 | $0 | $138,967 | 115 |
| Carlstadt | 6,343 | $646,747 | $1,503 | $94,854 | 147 |
| Leisure Village | 6,307 | $127,000 | $1,725 | $42,705 | 82 |
| Prospect Park | 6,286 | $391,500 | $1,794 | $48,615 | 121 |
| Yardville | 6,266 | $326,400 | $1,614 | $100,776 | 103 |
| Kingston Estates | 6,250 | $288,400 | $1,752 | $103,056 | 100 |
| Morris Plains | 6,214 | $709,926 | $2,686 | $149,623 | 168 |
| Paulsboro | 6,213 | $234,187 | $970 | $68,750 | 89 |
| Roseland | 6,211 | $799,642 | $3,293 | $160,644 | 185 |
| Bridgewater Center | 6,198 | $649,900 | $2,637 | $201,250 | 152 |
| Fair Haven | 6,182 | $1,442,419 | $3,500 | $237,132 | 261 |
| Mays Landing | 6,178 | $302,677 | $1,150 | $80,777 | 98 |
| Laurence Harbor | 6,130 | $327,900 | $1,480 | $89,500 | 102 |
| Oceanport | 6,130 | $888,487 | $1,310 | $156,196 | 173 |
| Packanack Lake | 6,126 | $594,000 | $3,517 | $196,343 | 155 |
| Woodcliff Lake | 6,097 | $1,188,469 | $2,629 | $211,233 | 222 |
| Little Silver | 6,096 | $1,074,422 | $3,532 | $220,746 | 219 |
| Pine Brook | 6,017 | $686,300 | $2,360 | $146,543 | 161 |
| Finderne | 5,968 | $391,700 | $2,010 | $109,348 | 115 |
| Manasquan | 5,915 | $1,127,544 | $1,655 | $156,542 | 205 |
| Mount Arlington | 5,901 | $393,400 | $2,309 | $99,511 | 119 |
| Old Tappan | 5,896 | $910,600 | $3,241 | $199,250 | 197 |
| Vauxhall | 5,875 | $354,300 | $1,853 | $106,962 | 109 |
| Hightstown | 5,869 | $453,908 | $1,638 | $107,431 | 122 |
| Belmar | 5,861 | $981,307 | $1,832 | $92,859 | 189 |
| Franklin Center | 5,770 | $565,200 | $2,588 | $138,643 | 142 |
| Jamesburg | 5,763 | $455,672 | $1,841 | $117,719 | 129 |
| Union Beach | 5,722 | $516,459 | $1,957 | $128,400 | 137 |
| Norwood | 5,668 | $872,831 | $2,446 | $164,766 | 184 |
| Towaco | 5,627 | $690,900 | $2,726 | $197,696 | 158 |
| Morganville | 5,544 | $575,900 | $2,677 | $134,911 | 152 |
| Somerdale | 5,535 | $338,572 | $1,141 | $79,101 | 103 |
| Lyons | 5,444 | $936,000 | $0 | $243,958 | 171 |
| Neshanic Station | 5,403 | $636,200 | $2,124 | $213,682 | 145 |
| East Freehold | 5,381 | $626,800 | $1,828 | $195,804 | 140 |
| Cape May Court House | 5,375 | $432,849 | $1,389 | $74,503 | 113 |
| Glendora | 5,367 | $323,168 | $782 | $94,792 | 98 |
| Clementon | 5,351 | $305,417 | $1,233 | $69,536 | 100 |
| Englewood Cliffs | 5,330 | $1,691,402 | $3,545 | $222,192 | 290 |
| Salem | 5,315 | $69,300 | $992 | $40,650 | 71 |
| Margate City | 5,260 | $1,090,234 | $1,368 | $114,417 | 191 |
| Bargaintown | 5,231 | $307,100 | $2,320 | $127,734 | 109 |
| Troy Hills | 5,183 | $634,600 | $3,250 | $180,618 | 157 |
| Beach Haven West | 5,164 | $577,500 | $0 | $116,949 | 129 |
| Ledgewood | 5,150 | $454,100 | $1,570 | $125,000 | 118 |
| Wildwood | 5,140 | $616,760 | $1,255 | $51,996 | 133 |
| Beckett | 5,072 | $279,300 | $1,839 | $119,063 | 100 |
| Florence | 5,027 | $304,501 | $1,247 | $99,020 | 100 |
| Ellisburg | 5,021 | $294,300 | $1,428 | $91,272 | 97 |
FAQ: Living in New Jersey
What is the most affordable city to live in New Jersey?+
Among the cities we track, Salem stands out as the most affordable option in New Jersey. The median home value there is $69,300, and monthly rent typically runs around $992. The local median household income is $40,650, which tends to go further here than in much of the state.
What is the most expensive city in New Jersey?+
Short Hills is currently the priciest market in NJ. Homes there are valued at a median of $2,265,210, and renters can expect to pay around $3,259/month. Incomes are higher too — the median household earns $250,001 — but whether that fully offsets the cost premium depends on your lifestyle.
How are taxes in New Jersey?+
New Jersey has a progressive income tax with a top rate of 10.75%. Property taxes average 2.47% statewide — on the higher end nationally. Combined state and local sales tax can reach 6.6%.
How much does housing vary across New Jersey?+
There's a huge range. In Salem, the median home costs around $69,300. In Short Hills, that number jumps to $2,265,210 — roughly 32x more. Rents follow a similar pattern: approximately $992/month vs. $3,259/month. Where you choose to settle within NJ can make a dramatic difference in your monthly budget.
Is New Jersey a good state to move to?+
It depends on your priorities and budget. New Jersey offers a wide range of living costs depending on the city. You can find very affordable communities alongside expensive metro areas. Home prices range from around $69,300 in budget-friendly areas to $2,265,210 in premium markets. Use the city comparison tool to compare housing, rent, property tax, and everyday cost pressure across locations in NJ.
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Reviewed by LivabilityCalc Research Team
Financial Data Analysts · Census & Economic Data Specialists
Data Sources & Methodology
- Real Estate & Housing: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI, Smoothed & Seasonally Adjusted) and Zillow Observed Rent Index (ZORI). Structural fallback utilizes U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates.
- Goods, Utilities & Services: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Metropolitan Area Regional Price Parities (MARPP), incorporating verified State Nonmetropolitan averages.
- Mortgage Rates: Freddie Mac 30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Average in the United States (PMMS) via Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED).
- Tax Context: State-level property, sales, and income-tax context used for place-side relocation planning. Personal take-home pay and offer analysis are handled by salary.city.
- Index Methodology: Weighting matrix derived from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Expenditure Surveys (CEX) distributional models. Baseline standardized at 100. (Read methodology details)
Last data update: March 2026 · Mortgage rates updated monthly