5 Cheapest Places to Live in New Jersey

New Jersey is on the eastern edge of the United States and borders New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. It’s a coastal state that offers access to the Atlantic Ocean with miles of shoreline. By area, New Jersey is the fourth-smallest state in the country yet is the most densely populated with nearly 9 million residents. The largest city is Newark, and the capital is Trenton. Its largest metropolitan area falls within the Greater New York metropolitan area, with more than 20 million residents. The state served as the site for multiple battles during the American Revolutionary War. Explore some of the cheapest places to live in New Jersey before making a move.

Median income in New Jersey

New Jersey is the second-wealthiest state in the country, with a median household income of $89,703. This figure comes in well above the national median income of $68,703. Nearly 10% of American millionaires reside in New Jersey, making the state the top spot for millionaires per capita in the country. The cost of living in New Jersey comes in at 120% of the national average, with the highest costs coming from housing and transportation.

New Jersey residents have access to the top-ranked public education system in the country. They can also travel to and from New York with ease, especially those who live in the northern part of the state. Trains and ferries connect New Jersey residents to the surrounding states, enabling residents to travel to and explore the nearby areas easily.

Cheapest places to live in New Jersey

Although New Jersey has a higher cost of living than the national average, you can find a few cheap places to live in New Jersey. Here are our top 5 picks.

Clifton

Clifton is west of Passaic City and within 20 miles of New York City, making it an attractive place and among the cheapest places in New Jersey to live for those who commute into the city for work. The 192 NJ Transit bus line provides direct access to New York City, or you can travel to nearby Montclair and take one of the trains into the city from the seven different stations. Clifton also offers a lower crime rate than other parts of the state, plus highly rated schools and walkability. With about 85,000 residents, this township is one of the larger affordable options in the state.

Oakland

Approximately 13,000 people call Oakland home, although it’s not to be confused with the urban city of the same name in California. Oakland, New Jersey, has affordable home prices and an excellent school system, along with a country vibe that people love. The crime rate is also substantially lower than the statewide average, helping residents feel safe. The small town sits about 40 miles from New York City.

Phillipsburg

Located on the Pennsylvania border along the Delaware River, Phillipsburg is one of the cheapest towns to live in New Jersey. Outdoor recreational opportunities abound in Phillipsburg, thanks to its proximity to the river and the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. It’s the largest city in Warren County and offers attractive shopping and dining for its more than 14,000 residents.

Somerdale

Somerdale is in one of the cheap areas to live in New Jersey, thanks to its lower home prices and highly paid residents. The median household income in the city is nearly $73,000. If you want to get outdoors, hiking around Kirkwood Lake is free and easily accessible. You can enjoy some adventures without having to spend much money. Somerdale is within Camden County and is about 15 miles from Philadelphia.

Stratford

Stratford also offers lower housing costs and is in Camden County. Residents of this city earn a median household income of $79,677. It also has a smaller population with fewer than 7,000 residents to maintain a close community feel. Residents often enjoy spending the day exploring Philadelphia, about 18 miles away, and enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.

If you’re comparing by county, Camden County and Mercer County have multiple cities that consistently rank among the cheapest county in New Jersey to live. Other options for the cheapest city to live in New Jersey include Crestwood Village in Ocean County, Browns Mills in Burlington County, Ramtown in Monmouth County, and Dayton in Middlesex County. 

Most affordable rent in New Jersey

The median monthly rent for residents of Phillipsburg is $1,250. People who live in this city enjoy the tight-knit community feel and smaller-town vibes. If you have kids, Phillipsburg is a great place to live because it provides access to a range of family-friendly activities both within the state and across the border in Pennsylvania. Renters in Somerdale pay an average of $1,575 per month for a two-bedroom apartment.

Stratford is slightly more affordable than other cities in New Jersey, with renters reporting an average monthly cost of $1,250. The average rental price in Oakland is $1,350 for a one-bedroom unit, and the prices in this city have remained fairly consistent over the past year. In Clifton, people pay an average of $2,535 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, which marks a 69% increase over the previous year.

If the rental prices in these more affordable areas of New Jersey are still too expensive for your budget, consider sharing an apartment with one or more roommates to keep costs under control. You may also want to look for alternative housing options, such as studios and smaller units, to find a more affordable living space.

Frequently asked questions about the cheapest places to live in New Jersey

As you’re searching for the cheapest places in New Jersey to live, explore thousands of apartments for rent on Zumper and find the perfect place to call home.