New Jersey attracts Americans from all over. And there’s a good reason why: Affordable transport, low cost of living, and quality education. You can’t go wrong with the Garden State!
Although property prices have risen in recent years, the average home value in the top 10 cheapest cities is still only around $500,000. Vineland’s cost of living is 14.4% lower than the national average, and Absecon is 6.1% more affordable than the rest of the country.
But that’s not all! Retirees can enjoy Gloucester City friendly community and peaceful environment, with homes averaging a nominal $227K. Meanwhile, Camden offers a booming job market in education, healthcare, and technology, with median home prices at just $138,452.
Cheapest Places to Live in New Jersey in 2025
Here’s our ranking of the most affordable places to live in New Jersey. We’ve considered the average household income, median list price, median house rent, and the population of the cities.
| City | Median Household Income | Median Home Value | Population | Unemployment Rate | Poverty Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camden | $36,258 | $139,404 | 70,887 | 9.0% | 31.6% |
| Gloucester City | $71,756 | $227,798 | 66,041 | 8.0% | 11.6% |
| Vineland | $63,468 | $288,912 | 60,848 | 5.7% | 13.5% |
| Absecon | $73,141 | $326,438 | 9,134 | 11.6% | 9.2% |
| Trenton | $44,444 | $330,317 | 89,296 | 4.4% | 26.2% |
| New Brunswick | $57,138 | $374,074 | 56,032 | 4.2% | 31.9% |
| Highland Park | $58,659 | $535,946 | 68,446 | 7.6% | 18.4% |
| Atlantic City | $73,113 | $216,499 | 38,479 | 8.4% | 32.4% |
| Phillipsburg | $64,130 | $317,484 | 15,362 | 7.0% | 14.1% |
| Clayton | $91,711 | $287,903 | 8,994 | 7.3% | 2.6% |
10 Cheapest Places to Live in New Jersey
Here’s our list of 10 cities that offer affordable living options in the Garden State:
#1 Camden
- Median house rent is $1,700 | Rental prices range between $908 and $2,800.
- Median home value of Camden is $138,452.
- Cost of living in Camden is 5.8% cheaper than the national average.
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 5.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $139,404 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,650 |
| 🌅 Known For | Camden Waterfront |
Camden’s proximity to Philadelphia offers urban amenities and exciting opportunities. The city is home to Rutgers University, a prominent educational institution. Families can also visit the Adventure Aquarium, featuring over 8,500 aquatic species. Additionally, the Camden Waterfront features beautiful parks, playgrounds, and walking paths, ideal for family outings.
» Camden Homes for Sale: Find homes in best cities to live in NJ.
#2 Gloucester City
- Median house rent is $1,900 | Rental prices range between $500 and $2,200.
- Median home value of Gloucester City is $227,696.
- Cost of living in Gloucester City is 5.8% cheaper than the national average.
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 5.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $227,798 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,650 |
| 🏞️ Known For | Freedom Pier |
Gloucester City offers affordable healthcare 4.9% lower than the national average. Seniors can enjoy the scenic Proprietor’s Park Riverwalk, which features serene walking paths. The city’s combination of accessible parks, senior-focused programs, and suitable housing options makes it an attractive place for older adults.
» Gloucester City Homes for Sale: Search homes in one of the cheapest place to live in NJ.
#3 Vineland
- Median house rent is $1,629 | Rental prices range between $1,000 and $7,000.
- Median home value of Vineland is $290,873.
- Cost of living in Vineland is 14.4% cheaper than the national average.
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to National Average | 14.4%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $288,912 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,800 |
| 🏖️ Known For | Kacaba Vineyards Winery |
Vineland is rich in cultural attractions like the Delsea Drive-In and the Palace of Depression, showcasing its unique history. Transportation is supported by major highways, New Jersey Transit bus services, and nearby rail access for longer trips. Key employers like Inspira Health Network, F & S Fresh Foods, and Walmart contribute to a robust job market in the area.
» Vineland Homes for Sale: Find homes in best cities to live in NJ.
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#4 Absecon
- Median house rent is $1,900 | Rental prices range between $800 and $3,500.
- Median home value of Absecon is $327,522.
- Cost of living in Absecon is 6.1% cheaper than the national average.
Absecon is one of the most affordable places to live NJ. Transportation costs are 12% below the national average in the city. Absecon is close to Atlantic City, offering residents access to city entertainment while enjoying a quieter suburban lifestyle. Additionally, the city boasts a major employers like McCarthy Tire Service and KHS&S Contractors in the automobile industries.
» Abescon Homes for Sale: Find homes in best cities to live in NJ.
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#5 Trenton
- Median house rent is $1,850 | Rental prices range between $700 and $4,200.
- Median home value of Trenton is $337,374.
- Cost of living in Trenton is 12.7% cheaper than the state average.
Trenton, often referred to as ‘The Capital City,’ offers a unique blend of affordability and urban conveniences. Housing costs are also 21.7% lower than the national average. Major employers like Njm Insurance Group and Hutchinson are prominent here, making it ideal for professionals.
» Trenton Homes for Sale: Browse through thousands of properties in this city.
6. Pitman
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 4.1%⬆️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $374,074 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $2,200 |
| 🏫 Known For | George Street Playhouse |
The house rent in New Brunswick is between $660 – $4,500. With an average household income of $57,138, you can comfortably live in this city.
Situated in the heart of the state, New Brunswick enjoys proximity to major cities like New York City and Philadelphia. It offers easy access to employment opportunities and cultural amenities.
» Homes for Sale in New Brunswick, NJ: Find a home in one of the cheapest places to live in New Jersey.
7. Hightstown
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 8.1%⬆️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $535,946 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $2,500 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Rutgers University |
Highland Park is one of the best places to live in New Jersey. The annual expenditure on utilities for an individual amounts to $4,922.
Highland Park is famous for its peaceful atmosphere, Tree-lined Streets, and good schools. Highland Park residents benefit from being close to Rutgers University, a prestigious institution in the city.
» Homes for Sale in Highland Park, NJ: Search affordable places to live in NJ.
8. Atlantic City
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 21.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $216,499 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,900 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Beaches and Oceanfront Activities |
Atlantic City, often considered as cheapest places to live in New Jersey. It boasts a lower cost of living of 6.1% than the national average. With a median home price around $216,499, it’s significantly more budget-friendly than pricier areas.
Additionally, AtlantiCare and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa are the top employers in the city. The city is also close proximity to Philadelphia one of the major cities in US.
» Homes for Sale in Atlantic City, NJ: Get yourself a home in best townships in New Jersey.
9. Phillipsburg
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 12.6%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $317,484 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $1,650 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Bloomin Cottage |
The cost of living in Phillipsburg is 12.6% lower than the state average. This city offers affordability in housing of 6.2% and healthcare of 1.3% lower than national average.
Apart from this, school districts in Phillipsburg offers employment opportunities for educators and support staff. Additionally, INFINITT North America and Norwescap are top employers in the city for job seekers.
» Homes for Sale in Phillipsburg, NJ: Browse affordable homes in New Jersey cities.
10. Clayton
| 🟢 Cost of Living Compared to State Average | 15.8%⬇️ |
| 🏡 Median Home Price | $287,903 |
| 💲 Median Rent | $2,000 |
| 🖼️ Known For | Historic Charm |
Clayton, NJ is an affordable place to live, but not the cheapest in the state. The cost of living are about 15.8% lower than the state average. It also offers affordable healthcare which is 6.5% lower than the national average.
Moreover, the city has rental home prices ranges between $1000-$2000. Apart from this, Aura Badge Company is one of the biggest employers in the city.
» Homes for Sale in Clayton, NJ: Find homes in cheap towns to live in New Jesery.
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The Bottom Line
If you want to move to California, you will find cheap houses for sale in New jersey under 250K in cities like Camden, Gloucester and Vineland. They also offer stable job opportunities, and a low cost of living which is more affordable than other New Jersey cities.
Cities like New Brunswick and Highland Park have a slightly expensive cost of living but provide better job opportunities. You must research the city’s home prices and living costs before relocating.
» Free Home Value Estimator: Get an estimate of property values with New Jersey’s most accurate home value estimator.
Find Homes for Sale in NJ Under Your Specific Budget
Here are a few options of cheap houses for sale in NJ.
» Best Rental Websites in America: Can’t find your dream home within your budget? Explore thousands of listings on the nation’s top rental websites.
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Research Methodology
We’ve created this list by considering factors such as cost of living, median home price, and rental price range. We have also accounted for the population, median household income, poverty rate, and unemployment rate in these cities.
To compile this list of the cheapest areas to live in New Jersey, we have drawn data from the Economic Research Institute, World Population Review, Rent Cafe, and Zillow.
FAQs
What is the cheapest place to live in New Jersey?
The cheapest place to live in New Jersey is Camden.
» 10 Cheapest Places to Live in New Jersey: Find out the other cheapest places to live in New Jersey!
Where is the best place to live in New Jersey?
The best place to live in New Jersey is Gloucester City, followed by Newark, Jersey City, Toms River, Paterson, Elizabeth, and Princeton.
Is New Jersey the cheapest place to live in?
No, it is not. The median home value is $534,939. If you're looking for cities with affordable housing and a low cost of living, you can try your luck in some of these cheapest places in America.
