Nothing in New Jersey comes cheap.
So, when it comes to finding the cheapest places to live in New Jersey, you’re going to have to put in the work.
Luckily, we put the work in for you. We researced home prices, incomes, and the overall cost of living from the Census. We crunched the numbers using Saturday Night Science to identify where it’s relaively affordable in the Garden State.
Many of these affordable cities provide access to fresh produce, quality diners, pizza, and a bagel with pork roll around the corner.
In other words, the reasons why nothing comes cheap in New Jersey.
Table Of Contents: Top Ten | Methodology | Table | FAQs | Summary
The 10 most affordable places to live in New Jersey
What’s the cheapest place to live in New Jersey? The cheapest place to live in New Jersey is Salem.
Other dollar-saving cities in New Jersey include Pennsville and Paulsboro.
Read on to learn how we crunched the numbers and to see how your favorite city ranks amongst the cheapest places to live in New Jersey.
Check out some more reading about New Jersey and the cheapest places in the country:
The 10 Cheapest Places To Live In New Jersey For 2026
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Population: 5,322
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 86
Median Income: $38,721
Median Home Price: $223,562
Median Rent: $1,075
No one will call you a witch for the savings magic you find in Salem, one of the cheapest cities in New Jersey. The local cost-cutting witchcraft leads to an overall cost of living of 31.2% lower than the New Jersey average.
A Wilmington suburb, the average rent in Salem comes in at $1,075, the seventh lowest in the state.
More on Salem: Data | Crime | Movers
/10
Population: 12,233
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 95
Median Income: $76,032
Median Home Price: $265,744
Median Rent: $1,252
More on Pennsville: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers
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Population: 6,248
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 95
Median Income: $64,239
Median Home Price: $233,957
Median Rent: $976
Paulsboro has impressively low living costs, including a cost of living index at 95 and home prices at $233,957. Ok, get ready for this, the ‘Paulsboro Pocketbook Paradise’ proves prosperous for those prioritizing practicality in the northeastern corridor.
Yea, you guessed it, Paulsboro is another Philadelphia suburb.
More on Paulsboro: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers
/10
Population: 71,496
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 96
Median Income: $40,546
Median Home Price: $147,232
Median Rent: $1,226
Camden, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia, has the third lowest home prices and a solid 21st home-price-to-income ratio. The city has the fourth lowest overall cost of living.
Camden has been steadily improving over the years and now has fun things to do, including Wiggins Waterfront Park and Adventure Aquarium, without breaking the budget.
More on Camden: Data | Cost Of Living | Movers
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Population: 15,299
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 96
Median Income: $68,324
Median Home Price: $336,547
Median Rent: $1,167
Located in northwestern New Jersey, across the Delaware River from Pennsylvania, Phillipsburg ranks as the fifth most affordable city in the state. Phillipsburg has the cheapest home prices on this list, with a median price of $336,547. Folks in Phillipsburg earn a median income of $68,324, which gives Phillipsburg the 115th lowest home price to income ratio in New Jersey. A relatively high median rent of $1,167 gives Phillipsburg the worst income to rent ratio on this list, so definitely buy here if you want to take full advantage of the town’s affordability.
Phillipsburg is the only place on this list NOT in Camden or Gloucester County and within a half hour of Philadelphia.
More on Phillipsburg: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers
/10
Population: 8,050
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 97
Median Income: $77,273
Median Home Price: $260,445
Median Rent: $1,434
More on Carneys Point: Data | Cost Of Living | Movers
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Population: 7,830
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 97
Median Income: $38,091
Median Home Price: $120,924
Median Rent: $1,146
Crestwood Village, located in Ocean County in the southern part of New Jersey, is the seventh lowest cost city in the state. The city has the fourth best home price to income in the Garden State.
The cost of living index at 97 is below the national average, cementing Crestwood Village as a financially savvy selection. The Jersey Shore provides plenty to do for residents.
More on Crestwood Village: Data | Cost Of Living | Movers
/10
Population: 5,410
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 99
Median Income: $62,979
Median Home Price: $309,206
Median Rent: $1,169
More on Clementon: Data | Crime | Movers
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Population: 90,338
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 100
Median Income: $52,537
Median Home Price: $345,375
Median Rent: $1,294
Trenton, the state capital and one of the biggest cities in New Jersey, took home the ninth spot for the cheapest places in the state. It’s not every day you get affordability in bigger cities, but Trenton proves the exception.
The overall cost of living index of 100 includes low index values for utilities, services, and healthcare. Pulling a bit of a random rabbit out of a hat, I’ve been to the Grounds For Sculpture near Trenton and can personally attest it’s a fun way to spend an afternoon that isn’t too expensive.
More on Trenton: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers
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Population: 9,993
Overall Cost Of Living Index: 100
Median Income: $84,813
Median Home Price: $299,492
Median Rent: $1,631
Burlington is a city in Burlington County, New Jersey, United States and a suburb of Philadelphia. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city’s population was 9,920, reflecting an increase of 184 from the 9,736 counted in the 2000 Census, which had in turn declined by 99 from the 9,835 counted in the 1990 Census.
More on Burlington: Data | Crime | Cost Of Living | Movers
Cheapest places to live in New Jersey FAQs
The county in New Jersey with the lowest cost of living is Salem County. The average living wage in Salem County is $100,920 according to MIT data. Salem County has the lowest cost of living because it has relatively less expensive childcare and housing costs compared to New Jersey as a whole. Childcare costs $18,832 a year in Salem County for two children compared to the New Jersey average of $24,713. Housing costs, defined as a blend of the average rent and average mortgage payment, are $15,120 per year in Salem County compared to $19,486 on average in New Jersey.
The cost of living in New Jersey is 25.5% higher than the US average. According to MIT, the required living wage for a family of four with two working parents in New Jersey is $112,597 vs the national average for a family of four with two working parents of $89,744. The median income of a New Jersey household is $85,245.
The cheapest housing market in New Jersey is Camden. The average home value in Camden is $82,500, the lowest in the state. The average home value in New Jersey is $343,500, almost 4.2 times higher than Camden.
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The county in New Jersey with the lowest cost of living is Salem County. The average living wage in Salem County is $100,920 according to MIT data. Salem County has the lowest cost of living because it has relatively less expensive childcare and housing costs compared to New Jersey as a whole. Childcare costs $18,832 a year in Salem County for two children compared to the New Jersey average of $24,713. Housing costs, defined as a blend of the average rent and average mortgage payment, are $15,120 per year in Salem County compared to $19,486 on average in New Jersey.
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The cost of living in New Jersey is 25.5% higher than the US average. According to MIT, the required living wage for a family of four with two working parents in New Jersey is $112,597 vs the national average for a family of four with two working parents of $89,744. The median income of a New Jersey household is $85,245.
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The cheapest housing market in New Jersey is Camden. The average home value in Camden is $82,500, the lowest in the state. The average home value in New Jersey is $343,500, almost 4.2 times higher than Camden.
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Methodology: How we determined the most affordable places to live in the Garden State for 2026
Determining affordability for places in New Jersey boils down to how much it costs to live here.
You need to understand your costs relative to what people in the rest of the state are paying.
With that logic in mind, we derived several cost of living statistics from the latest Census American Community Survey 2020-2024 for New Jersey using Saturday Night Science. We indexed the cost of living statistics across the following categories:
- Housing
- Transportation
- Services
- Groceries
- Healthcare
- Utilities
These are then weighted together to produce an overall cost of living index where 100 is the United States average. Anything below 100 is relatively affordable. Anything over 100 is relatively expensive.
We applied the biggest weight to housing as it typically accounts for 25% or more of your budget. Additionally, housing costs are the highest variant cost across a state. We then compare these cost of living metrics for each place in New Jersey to figure out which is the least expensive.
The “Cost of Living Index” allows you to rank all of the 262 places in New Jersey that have more than 5,000 people from least expensive to most expensive. Any ties went to the larger city.
The place in New Jersey with the lowest cost of living according to the data is Salem.
We updated this article for 2026. This report reflects our eleventh time ranking the cheapest places to live in New Jersey.
New Jersey Affordabilility Summary
This is an accurate list of the most affordable places to live in New Jersey for 2026, if you’re looking at the cost of living numbers in New Jersey.
The cheapest cities in New Jersey are Salem, Pennsville, Paulsboro, Camden, Phillipsburg, Carneys Point, Crestwood Village, Clementon, Trenton, and Burlington.
Here’s a look at the most expensive cities in New Jersey according to the data:
- Short Hills
- Rumson
- Englewood Cliffs
For more New Jersey reading, check out:
- Safest Places In New Jersey
- Best Places To Live In New Jersey
- Best Places To Raise A Family In New Jersey
Cheapest Places To Live In New Jersey
| Rank | City | Population | Cost Of Living Index | Median Income | Home Prices | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Salem | 5,322 | 86 | $38,721 | $223,562 | $1,075 |
| 2 | Pennsville | 12,233 | 95 | $76,032 | $265,744 | $1,252 |
| 3 | Paulsboro | 6,248 | 95 | $64,239 | $233,957 | $976 |
| 4 | Camden | 71,496 | 96 | $40,546 | $147,232 | $1,226 |
| 5 | Phillipsburg | 15,299 | 96 | $68,324 | $336,547 | $1,167 |
| 6 | Carneys Point | 8,050 | 97 | $77,273 | $260,445 | $1,434 |
| 7 | Crestwood Village | 7,830 | 97 | $38,091 | $120,924 | $1,146 |
| 8 | Clementon | 5,410 | 99 | $62,979 | $309,206 | $1,169 |
| 9 | Trenton | 90,338 | 100 | $52,537 | $345,375 | $1,294 |
| 10 | Burlington | 9,993 | 100 | $84,813 | $299,492 | $1,631 |
| 11 | Glendora | 5,431 | 100 | $98,053 | $330,341 | $986 |
| 12 | Washington | 7,334 | 101 | $81,336 | $329,942 | $1,348 |
| 13 | Bridgeton | 27,001 | 102 | $55,781 | $253,951 | $1,340 |
| 14 | Pleasantville | 20,712 | 102 | $53,661 | $241,644 | $1,354 |
| 15 | Browns Mills | 9,672 | 102 | $75,867 | $325,148 | $1,220 |
| 16 | Gloucester City | 11,509 | 103 | $64,938 | $237,280 | $1,484 |
| 17 | Pine Hill | 10,802 | 103 | $72,588 | $277,792 | $1,411 |
| 18 | Runnemede | 8,355 | 103 | $91,302 | $317,723 | $1,423 |
| 19 | Leisure Village | 5,751 | 103 | $44,542 | $182,702 | $1,700 |
| 20 | Atlantic City | 38,632 | 104 | $41,028 | $215,470 | $1,136 |
| 21 | Millville | 27,511 | 104 | $70,275 | $252,660 | $1,261 |
| 22 | Lindenwold | 21,719 | 104 | $55,954 | $265,329 | $1,323 |
| 23 | Woodbury | 10,042 | 104 | $77,028 | $336,566 | $990 |
| 24 | Florence | 5,242 | 104 | $85,219 | $309,593 | $1,354 |
| 25 | Bellmawr | 11,737 | 108 | $76,654 | $310,585 | $1,257 |
| 26 | Pomona | 7,995 | 108 | $99,118 | $349,616 | $1,082 |
| 27 | Somerdale | 5,581 | 108 | $85,625 | $346,043 | $1,097 |
| 28 | Vineland | 61,006 | 109 | $67,860 | $304,967 | $1,233 |
| 29 | Smithville | 9,545 | 109 | $77,579 | $349,867 | $1,507 |
| 30 | Stratford | 7,018 | 109 | $98,427 | $339,991 | $1,190 |
| 31 | Clayton | 8,921 | 110 | $90,274 | $325,497 | $1,246 |
| 32 | Palmyra | 7,485 | 111 | $89,574 | $308,881 | $1,696 |
| 33 | Barrington | 7,076 | 111 | $87,290 | $364,663 | $1,320 |
| 34 | Williamstown | 14,705 | 112 | $89,414 | $367,602 | $1,266 |
| 35 | Villas | 9,735 | 112 | $80,974 | $395,495 | $1,719 |
| 36 | Audubon | 8,730 | 112 | $115,789 | $376,496 | $1,290 |
| 37 | Pitman | 8,856 | 113 | $98,489 | $358,955 | $1,521 |
| 38 | East Orange | 70,090 | 114 | $60,830 | $474,293 | $1,441 |
| 39 | Holiday City-Berkeley | 12,995 | 114 | $50,156 | $333,576 | $1,640 |
| 40 | Somers Point | 10,515 | 114 | $71,062 | $419,052 | $1,383 |
| 41 | Keansburg | 9,719 | 114 | $81,428 | $375,418 | $1,679 |
| 42 | Mays Landing | 6,406 | 114 | $83,056 | $307,254 | $1,131 |
| 43 | Glassboro | 23,717 | 115 | $87,278 | $365,941 | $1,687 |
| 44 | White Horse | 10,507 | 115 | $105,758 | $386,207 | $2,046 |
| 45 | Berlin | 7,539 | 115 | $102,855 | $389,296 | $1,439 |
| 46 | Absecon | 9,170 | 116 | $73,676 | $343,433 | $1,807 |
| 47 | Roselle | 22,646 | 117 | $92,762 | $507,575 | $1,567 |
| 48 | Hammonton | 14,840 | 117 | $78,087 | $373,850 | $1,611 |
| 49 | Northfield | 8,456 | 117 | $111,599 | $388,519 | $1,835 |
| 50 | Mystic Island | 8,259 | 117 | $78,714 | $402,873 | $1,893 |
| 51 | Rahway | 30,109 | 118 | $91,461 | $529,779 | $1,845 |
| 52 | Collingswood | 14,205 | 118 | $90,184 | $448,585 | $1,488 |
| 53 | Marlton | 10,922 | 118 | $94,464 | $427,434 | $1,720 |
| 54 | Wildwood | 5,130 | 118 | $75,222 | $630,656 | $997 |
| 55 | Country Lake Estates | 5,055 | 118 | $127,643 | $312,148 | $1,739 |
| 56 | Newton | 8,369 | 119 | $76,221 | $437,913 | $1,442 |
| 57 | Kingston Estates | 6,668 | 119 | $108,024 | $425,554 | $1,896 |
| 58 | Perth Amboy | 55,855 | 120 | $61,977 | $495,685 | $1,688 |
| 59 | Echelon | 13,284 | 120 | $82,932 | $411,770 | $1,717 |
| 60 | Spotswood | 8,171 | 120 | $105,060 | $563,664 | $1,079 |
| 61 | Yardville | 6,301 | 120 | $103,274 | $451,243 | $1,661 |
| 62 | Jamesburg | 5,770 | 120 | $110,972 | $465,246 | $1,957 |
| 63 | Cape May Court House | 5,628 | 120 | $74,464 | $446,405 | $1,429 |
| 64 | Newark | 310,178 | 121 | $52,060 | $478,454 | $1,392 |
| 65 | Paterson | 158,735 | 121 | $55,997 | $528,882 | $1,548 |
| 66 | Dover | 18,563 | 121 | $73,737 | $507,728 | $1,825 |
| 67 | Avenel | 17,121 | 121 | $101,670 | $527,307 | $1,906 |
| 68 | Twin Rivers | 8,382 | 121 | $100,833 | $377,685 | $1,753 |
| 69 | Haddon Heights | 7,516 | 121 | $133,125 | $493,148 | $1,166 |
| 70 | Keyport | 7,171 | 121 | $82,321 | $498,250 | $1,458 |
| 71 | Laurence Harbor | 6,191 | 121 | $84,291 | $384,327 | $1,903 |
| 72 | New Brunswick | 56,345 | 122 | $65,810 | $442,984 | $1,814 |
| 73 | Plainfield | 55,236 | 122 | $85,908 | $511,835 | $1,767 |
| 74 | Cherry Hill Mall | 14,541 | 122 | $103,708 | $427,559 | $2,132 |
| 75 | Roselle Park | 14,093 | 122 | $109,679 | $538,084 | $1,663 |
| 76 | Mercerville | 13,535 | 122 | $128,277 | $449,363 | $1,621 |
| 77 | Ashland | 9,320 | 122 | $118,500 | $421,294 | $2,529 |
| 78 | Ventnor City | 9,265 | 122 | $68,671 | $633,017 | $1,417 |
| 79 | Carteret | 25,496 | 123 | $96,862 | $547,897 | $2,032 |
| 80 | Pine Lake Park | 9,795 | 123 | $91,813 | $519,662 | $1,838 |
| 81 | Golden Triangle | 5,765 | 123 | $103,558 | $401,494 | $2,506 |
| 82 | Beachwood | 11,088 | 124 | $106,858 | $462,368 | $2,335 |
| 83 | Manville | 10,921 | 124 | $93,333 | $476,360 | $1,844 |
| 84 | Elizabeth | 137,302 | 125 | $66,555 | $534,666 | $1,523 |
| 85 | Springdale | 15,173 | 125 | $164,796 | $618,908 | $879 |
| 86 | Hopatcong | 14,565 | 125 | $115,758 | $447,232 | $1,777 |
| 87 | Bound Brook | 12,219 | 125 | $90,571 | $503,148 | $1,973 |
| 88 | Dunellen | 7,911 | 125 | $86,967 | $526,650 | $1,835 |
| 89 | Sayreville | 45,838 | 126 | $99,979 | $538,221 | $1,711 |
| 90 | Linden | 44,192 | 126 | $92,915 | $545,869 | $1,731 |
| 91 | North Plainfield | 22,809 | 126 | $87,349 | $491,908 | $1,752 |
| 92 | Woodbridge | 20,756 | 126 | $104,926 | $482,923 | $2,091 |
| 93 | East Franklin | 11,070 | 126 | $115,458 | $483,573 | $2,056 |
| 94 | Madison Park | 9,124 | 126 | $79,509 | $534,449 | $1,528 |
| 95 | Ramblewood | 6,611 | 126 | $111,170 | $501,116 | $2,277 |
| 96 | Prospect Park | 6,319 | 126 | $53,125 | $535,126 | $1,647 |
| 97 | South River | 16,124 | 127 | $96,147 | $528,551 | $1,675 |
| 98 | Hamilton Square | 11,622 | 127 | $138,162 | $497,482 | $2,139 |
| 99 | Haledon | 8,980 | 127 | $95,870 | $554,771 | $1,750 |
| 100 | Linwood | 6,992 | 127 | $156,354 | $487,432 | $2,188 |