The average cost of living in New Jersey is $3,568.76 per month
New Jersey, situated on a peninsula between the Hudson and Hackensack rivers, is known for its boardwalk beaches and Atlantic City casinos. The state is proud of its diverse natural beauty, from beaches to scenic mountains, perfect for outdoor activities.
Its proximity to big cities like New York and Philadelphia makes it ideal for suburban or rural living with plenty of job opportunities.
The cost of living in New Jersey can vary greatly depending on your specific location within the state and your individual preferences and priorities. If you are planning to move to New Jersey, keep reading this article to understand more about the expense of living in this so-called Las Vegas of the East Coast.
Methodology
The main data collection source for this article is Numbeo and trusted city-related websites, including Light Rail New Jersey and New Jersey Department of State website. The costs presented are estimates and pertain to an individual living alone on a monthly basis.
Cost of Living in New Jersey – 2025
Housing costs in New Jersey
Below is the list of average costs for renting and buying properties in New Jersey:
Cost of rent in New Jersey
| Area/Neighborhood | 1-bed apartment | 3-bed apartment |
| Jersey City (Outside of city center) | $2,366.67 | $3,720.00 |
Cost of buying a property in New Jersey
| Area/Neighborhood | Average home price |
| Jersey City | $563,670 |
Utility costs in New Jersey: Internet, electricity and water
The details below will give you details on the amount that you need to allocate from your budget once you move to New Jersey.
Utilities |
Cost in New Jersey |
| Basic
(Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage) for 915 sq ft apartment t) |
$118.73 |
| Internet
(60 Mbps or More, Unlimited Data, Cable/ADSL) |
$64.17 |
| Total | $182.90 |
Grocery costs in New Jersey
New Jersey’s proximity to New York and its appealing local amenities contribute to its relatively high cost of living. On average, a single-person household in New Jersey can anticipate spending about $295.00 per month on groceries.
| Grocery items in New Jersey | Cost |
| Milk (regular), (1 gallon) | $1.30 |
| Loaf of Fresh White Bread (1 lb) | $3.97 |
| Rice (white) (1 lb) | $4.06 |
| Eggs (regular) (12) | $4.71 |
| Local Cheese (1 lb) | $16.89 |
| Chicken Filets (1 lb) | $12.95 |
| Beef Round (1 lb) | $17.25 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $5.22 |
| Banana (1 lb) | $1.64 |
| Oranges (1 lb) | $4.79 |
| Tomato (1 lb) | $4.12 |
| Potato (1 lb) | $2.84 |
| Onion (1 lb) | $3.93 |
| Lettuce (1 head) | $2.42 |
| Water (1.5 liter bottle) | $2.58 |
| Bottle of Wine (Mid-Range) | $17.00 |
Public transit in New Jersey
NJ Transit is New Jersey’s main public transportation agency. It offers a variety of options, like buses, trains, and light rail services. Public transit in New Jersey is important, especially due to its closeness to major cities like New York and Philadelphia. While it offers accessible services for people with disabilities, traffic jams can still be a problem, especially during busy rush hours.
Each time you use a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard with stored value, it deducts the $3.00 PATH fare. When you purchase a new MetroCard from a vending machine or station booth, including those at PATH stations or commuter rail stations, there’s a $1.00 fee.
For SmartLink unlimited passes, you can only use them once at the same station within an 18-minute window. These passes are meant for the original buyer’s use; sharing them with others is strictly not allowed.
| Type of fare | Cost in New Jersey |
| Single ticket | $3.00 |
| Daily pass | $11.50 |
| Weekly pass | $39.25 |
| Monthly pass | $120.75 |
Entertainment costs in New Jersey
New Jersey has something for everyone, regardless of preferences when it comes to entertainment. Whether you’re into culture, outdoor adventures, or just having fun, the state has you covered.
You can dive into the various live music venues or enjoy theater productions at places like the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Paper Mill Playhouse.
If you prefer an outdoor experience, New Jersey’s beautiful coastline offers opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, beach sports, or simply relaxing by the bay.
| Entertainment | New Jersey |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | $50.00 |
| 1h taxi ride | $24.00 |
| 1 movie ticket | $15.50 |
Sales tax in New Jersey
The special Urban Enterprise Zones rate is equal to half of the current Sales Tax rate, which is 6.625%.
Food, clothes, medication, machinery, and equipment used in manufacturing and processing are some of the things that are free from sales tax.
Healthcare costs in New Jersey
In New Jersey, businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees are not obligated to provide health insurance coverage. However, if a business has 50 or more full-time employees, it is required to offer health insurance options.
| Type of healthcare | Cost |
| Employer-sponsored health insurance | $171.41 |
| Non-employer-sponsored health insurance (average cheapest) | $480 |
| Gym | $80.00 |
Numbeo (May 2025), KFF (2023) & Value Penguin (May 2025)
Conclusion
New Jersey is an ideal place for families and individuals seeking a laid-back lifestyle while still having access to major international business centers and job opportunities.
If you want to live in New Jersey comfortably and take advantage of everything it has to offer, an amount of $3,568.76 should be allotted monthly. This article can help you decide if your budget allows you to do so. Are you planning on moving soon? Check out the best of New Jersey movers to assist you!
| Category | Monthly cost |
| 1 bed apt rent outside city center | $2,366.67 |
| Groceries
The Numbeo grocery list (excluding beer and cigarettes) was totaled and multiplied by seven for a 2000-calorie diet. |
$739.69 |
| Utilities
Electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage |
$118.73 |
| Internet with 60 Mbps | $64.17 |
| Transit pass | $110 |
| Entertainment
Meal, taxi, movie |
$89.5 |
| Gym membership | $80 |
| Total | $3,568.76 |
