Cheapest Places to Live in New Jersey

New Jersey, with its bustling cities, scenic shorelines, and rich cultural heritage, offers a variety of living experiences. Landmarks such as the Liberty State Park, Atlantic City's boardwalk, and Princeton University highlight the state's appeal. The state's economy is robust and diverse, driven by sectors such as finance, pharmaceuticals, and technology. New Jersey's tax structure includes relatively high income and property taxes, which can impact the overall affordability for residents. Despite recent inflation and rising food costs, New Jersey remains one of the more affordable states in the Mid-Atlantic region, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas. The combination of a diverse economy and manageable living costs makes New Jersey an attractive place for those seeking affordability and quality of life.

Affordable living in New Jersey can often be found in smaller towns and suburban areas where housing costs and everyday expenses are lower. These regions provide a more manageable cost of living, which is essential for maintaining financial stability. Affordability is a key factor in livability, as it allows residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living without undue financial strain. Factors contributing to the cheapest places to live in New Jersey include lower housing demand in less populated areas, supportive local economic policies, and efficient public services. Utilizing C2ER's cost of living data helps to identify these affordable regions, ensuring that potential residents can make informed decisions. In a state known for its cultural diversity and economic opportunities, finding affordable living options enhances the overall living experience.

Crestwood Village Population: 8,063 26% cheaper than New Jersey average

Med. Home Value: $71,900 Med. Rent: $867 Med. Household Inc.: $29,042

With a cost of living index that is 26% cheaper than the state average, Crestwood Village is the cheapest place to live in New Jersey. This area offers residents a remarkable blend of relatively low housing costs, budget-friendly grocery prices, affordable utilities, and economical health care services, making it an attractive destination for those seeking to stretch their dollars further. Whether you're a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life, Crestwood Village provides an inviting and cost-effective environment to call home.

Camden Population: 73,742 25% cheaper than New Jersey average

Med. Home Value: $82,500 Med. Rent: $938 Med. Household Inc.: $28,623

The second most affordable city in New Jersey is Camden and stands out for its cost-effective lifestyle. With an overall cost of living that is 25% cheaper than the New Jersey average, overall goods and services, housing, utilities, transportation and health care costs fall within a reasonable range. Median household income levels are steady and come in at , which helps to increase the purchasing power of the local residents.

Bridgeton Population: 24,264 22% cheaper than New Jersey average

Med. Home Value: $107,500 Med. Rent: $1,127 Med. Household Inc.: $38,319

Bridgeton lands in the #3 spot for the cheapest cities to live in New Jersey, with a cost of living that is 22% cheaper than the state average. With home prices averaging and rental rates coming in around , it helps that household income levels average about , which assists with paying the mortgage or your monthly rent. Its robust public school system and accessible health care further enhance its appeal, making it a great place to settle down. The strong community spirit and ample recreational opportunities add to its charm.

Paulsboro Population: 5,881 20% cheaper than New Jersey average

Med. Home Value: $127,000 Med. Rent: $1,012 Med. Household Inc.: $45,897

The cost of everyday grocery items, goods & services and of course housing, can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any area. Paulsboro offers a picturesque and affordable living environment, with a cost of living that is 20% cheaper than the state average. Everyday items like ground beef , eggs , coffee and pizza are all fairly reasonable compared to most other cities, which helps reduce those grocery bills. Home prices are also fairly affordable (compared to the state average), coming in at around .

Lindenwold Population: 17,288 20% cheaper than New Jersey average

Med. Home Value: $124,800 Med. Rent: $1,040 Med. Household Inc.: $46,077

For those wanting to live well on a budget, Lindenwold is ideal, with a cost of living that is 20% cheaper than the state average. Reasonable housing prices (compared to the New Jersey average) of and rental prices of are paired with economical goods and services and a range of free or low-cost recreational activities. The city's proactive economic development initiatives also ensure a steady stream of job opportunities, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing financial ease.

Trenton Population: 83,387 20% cheaper than New Jersey average

Med. Home Value: $97,000 Med. Rent: $1,085 Med. Household Inc.: $37,002

Trenton comes in at #6 on our list of the cheapest cities in New Jersey and is a haven for those seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience. The city is known for its discount shopping centers and budget-friendly dining options and has a cost of living that is 20% cheaper than New Jersey. The city's local markets provide fresh produce and other groceries at reduced prices, while parks and community centers offer free entertainment and leisure. This city is perfect for enjoying a high quality of life at a low cost.

Pine Hill Population: 10,418 19% cheaper than New Jersey average

Med. Home Value: $135,000 Med. Rent: $1,014 Med. Household Inc.: $61,064

With its cost-effective lifestyle, Pine Hill is an attractive destination for those looking to live affordably. The city boasts suitable housing costs, affordable healthcare, and a variety of budget-friendly dining options. The community is welcoming and vibrant, providing residents with a rich social life at a fraction of the cost. Median income levels come in at , which provides financial stability, purchasing power and increases the quality of life in the city.

Pleasantville Population: 20,226 19% cheaper than New Jersey average

Med. Home Value: $128,900 Med. Rent: $1,124 Med. Household Inc.: $41,718

A lower cost of living allows individuals to manage their expenses more effectively, reducing the risk of financial stress and debt. When essential costs such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare are more affordable, people can achieve greater financial stability and resilience. Pleasantville fits that mold and has a cost of living that is 19% cheaper than New Jersey.

Gloucester City Population: 11,229 19% cheaper than New Jersey average

Med. Home Value: $130,600 Med. Rent: $1,107 Med. Household Inc.: $59,984

Lower living costs can lead to a higher quality of life by making it easier for people to afford comfortable housing, nutritious food, and access to healthcare. It can also provide opportunities for better education, recreational activities, and community engagement, contributing to overall well-being. Gloucester City is one of the most affordable cities in New Jersey, and has a cost of living that is 19% cheaper than the state average.

Atlantic City Population: 37,793 18% cheaper than New Jersey average

Med. Home Value: $150,000 Med. Rent: $927 Med. Household Inc.: $29,526

With a cost of living that is 18% cheaper than New Jersey, Atlantic City comes in at #10 on our list of the cheapest places to live in New Jersey. Financial stress is a significant factor affecting mental and physical health. By lowering the cost of living, individuals can experience reduced anxiety related to meeting monthly expenses, thereby improving overall health and well-being. The ability to afford basic necessities without constant worry contributes to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Full list of the cheapest places in New Jersey

Rank	Location	Population	COL Index	Med. Home Value	Med. Household Inc.
1	Crestwood Village	8,063	89	$71,900	$29,042
2	Camden	73,742	91	$82,500	$28,623
3	Bridgeton	24,264	94	$107,500	$38,319
4	Paulsboro	5,881	97	$127,000	$45,897
5	Lindenwold	17,288	97	$124,800	$46,077
6	Trenton	83,387	97	$97,000	$37,002
7	Pine Hill	10,418	98	$135,000	$61,064
8	Pleasantville	20,226	98	$128,900	$41,718
9	Gloucester City	11,229	98	$130,600	$59,984
10	Atlantic City	37,793	98	$150,000	$29,526
11	Phillipsburg	14,303	99	$144,200	$54,583
12	Carneys Point	7,302	99	$137,700	$57,326
13	Millville	27,485	100	$165,900	$63,182
14	Pennsville	11,968	100	$153,300	$68,369
15	Runnemede	8,307	101	$163,000	$71,495
16	Bellmawr	11,375	101	$169,400	$60,041
17	Woodbury	9,839	101	$165,600	$60,741
18	Somerdale	5,479	101	$178,000	$73,498
19	Pomona	7,756	102	$197,500	$88,447
20	Burlington	9,845	102	$167,500	$65,688
21	Stratford	6,968	102	$180,900	$78,309
22	Vineland	59,405	103	$170,300	$55,740
23	Washington	6,475	103	$202,400	$64,826
24	Barrington	6,678	104	$189,400	$78,708
25	Browns Mills	10,228	104	$161,700	$67,397
26	Smithville	8,861	105	$179,600	$58,507
27	Villas	9,697	105	$192,400	$57,713
28	Williamstown	14,161	105	$205,500	$83,945
29	Clayton	8,688	105	$208,100	$92,824
30	Newton	7,935	106	$221,900	$66,763
31	Palmyra	7,162	106	$175,400	$73,212
32	Pitman	8,785	107	$189,700	$80,716
33	Mays Landing	5,805	107	$204,600	$77,661
34	Somers Point	10,250	107	$219,500	$63,150
35	Holiday City-Berkeley	12,216	108	$170,400	$40,270
36	Audubon	8,656	108	$223,200	$90,335
37	Absecon	8,471	109	$192,900	$69,293
38	Glassboro	20,069	110	$211,900	$72,103
39	Mystic Island	8,296	110	$209,100	$51,958
40	Northfield	8,088	110	$226,100	$84,464
41	Keansburg	9,697	110	$197,200	$74,208
42	East Orange	64,650	111	$226,000	$50,990
43	Hopatcong	14,228	112	$240,600	$97,679
44	Roselle	21,699	112	$230,600	$65,307
45	Hammonton	14,046	112	$243,000	$72,184
46	Berlin	7,543	112	$238,300	$96,065
47	Marlton	10,171	113	$249,400	$76,929
48	Echelon	12,687	113	$238,200	$71,379
49	White Horse	9,557	113	$233,200	$92,450
50	Hackettstown	9,440	114	$283,700	$79,798

Methodology

To formulate the list of the cheapest places to live in New Jersey, AreaVibes utilized comprehensive data from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) cost of living index. The report is released annually and offers a detailed comparison of living expenses across various urban areas. The data is meticulously gathered by over 300 independent researchers, ensuring a high level of accuracy and reliability. The C2ER index encompasses more than 60 goods and services, categorized into six essential areas that significantly impact the cost of living. These categories and their respective weightings in the index are as follows: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%).

Map of Cost of Living by State

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The map above is a great way to help you discover the most affordable states across the U.S. By highlighting states with the lowest cost of living, this map provides an in-depth look at where you can get the most value for your money. By visually representing this data, the map allows users to easily compare different regions and make informed decisions about potential relocations or investments. Additionally, it provides valuable insights into the economic conditions and lifestyle factors that influence these cost of living statistics. Whether you're planning a move, considering a new job, or simply curious about the economic landscape, this map is a useful resource for understanding and navigating the financial implications of living in different states.