C+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
14%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Atlantic City New Jersey National
Cost of living98121100
Goods & Services103106100
Groceries102102100
Health care9499100
Housing86158100
Transportation107103100
Utilities110107100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Atlantic City, NJ

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Atlantic City? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Atlantic City stands at 98, making it 2% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, goods and services, transportation and health care in Atlantic City are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Atlantic City can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Atlantic City?

When it comes to knowing a city, its residents are the experts. We conducted a survey with 6 locals to understand their opinions on the cost of living in Atlantic City. The results indicated that 33% found it reasonably priced with decreasing prices of goods and services, while 67% viewed it as quite expensive, with increasing prices.

Is Atlantic City Affordable?

Wondering if Atlantic City is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Atlantic City, for example, the median home price is 18.8% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 2.3% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Atlantic City boasting a median household income of $29,526, which is 46.6% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Atlantic City?

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Atlantic City, the groceries index is 2% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Atlantic City, the healthcare costs are 6.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Atlantic City, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Atlantic City is 18% lower than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Atlantic City is 2% lower than the national average
  • Atlantic City housing is 14% lower than the national average
  • New Jersey general sales tax is 30% higher than the national average
  • New Jersey state income tax is 46% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Atlantic City

See all the best places to live around Atlantic City

Compare Atlantic City, NJ Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$52,002$4,334$1,213$1,560
      Renters$23,317$1,943$544$700
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Atlantic City, NJ, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Atlantic City have a median income of $52,002. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,213 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $23,317, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $544.

      New Jersey Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      New Jersey 6.625% 12.625%

      New Jersey Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      New Jersey 1.4% 10.75%

      Goods & Services

      Item Atlantic City National avg. Difference
      Haircut $23.54$24.263.0%
      Beauty Salon $66.27$45.5645.4%
      Toothpaste $3.65$3.701.5%
      Shampoo $1.52$1.2818.4%
      Movie $13.75$12.1313.3%
      Bowling $19.47$18.008.1%

      Groceries

      Item Atlantic City National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.76$5.841.3%
      Fried Chicken $1.46$1.577.4%
      Milk $4.67$4.670.0%
      Potatoes $5.37$4.938.8%
      Pizza $11.73$12.092.9%
      Beer $11.99$10.4115.2%

      Health Care

      Item Atlantic City National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $123.50$125.681.7%
      Doctor $132.56$135.782.4%
      Dentist $103.31$113.298.8%
      Ibuprofen $11.22$10.655.3%
      Lipitor $398.10$468.6015.0%

      Housing

      Item Atlantic City National avg. Difference
      Home Price $150,000.00$184,700.0018.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,169.88$2,346.697.5%
      Apartment Rent $927.00$949.002.3%

      Transportation

      Item Atlantic City National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.53$3.462.0%
      Tire Balancing $70.89$59.9218.3%

      Utilities

      Item Atlantic City National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $222.45$193.9914.7%
      Phone $198.27$192.253.1%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Strathmere, NJ591021.7%
      Elwood, NJ1,226964.0%
      Pleasantville, NJ20,226982.1%
      Egg Harbor City, NJ4,072981.9%
      Pomona, NJ7,7561021.9%
      Atlantic City, NJ37,793981.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Egypt Lake-Leto, FL37,775991.3%
      Hanover Park, IL37,8111098.7%
      Rosenberg, TX37,8161000.4%
      Clinton, MD37,76512828.4%
      Fort Lee, NJ37,84314140.8%
      Atlantic City, NJ37,793981.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.