Are you contemplating moving to New Jersey but just unsure of what town to live in?
New Jersey is located close to some of the biggest cities, including Philadelphia and New York City.
It is also in proximity to places like the Delaware Water Gap and the Pine Barrens.
But what’s the average sale price of a home in New Jersey?
Homes typically sell for around $497,600.
But, no worries.
If this number doesn’t match your budget, this list will provide you with some of the most affordable places to move to in New Jersey.
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13 of the Cheapest Places to Live in New Jersey
1. Trenton, NJ
Trenton, NJ, is one of the most affordable places to live in the state.
But for what reasons?
The average cost of a home is just $225,000.
For those who enjoy a town that isn’t too big or too small, Trenton is perfect, as 90,900 people are living in the city.
The average salary for households here is $37,002.
If you want to stay as close as possible to a major metro area, you’ll be glad to know that Trenton is just 30 miles from Philadelphia.
There are popular attractions located in Trenton.
For example, you’ll find the New Jersey State Museum and the New Jersey State Senate.
Trenton is also home to the Old Barracks Museum.
2. Camden
Camden is also highly favored when it comes to affordability in New Jersey.
The average sale price of a home in Camden is just $130,000.
For those interested in renting, you’ll be happy to know that the average rent paid for a one-bedroom is $925.
The good news is that Camden is just 5 miles from Philadelphia, for those wanting easy access to a major metro area.
About 71,800 people are living in Camden.
You’ll also find plenty of attractions and things to do, including the Adventure Aquarium, Wiggins Waterfront Park, and the Battleship New Jersey Museum.
Downtown Camden is home to various shops, museums, and amazing food.
3. Vineland
Vineland is a great place to live in New Jersey in terms of affordability.
The average cost of a home is $270,000, while the average rent paid for a one-bedroom is $1,075.
Philadelphia is located 40 miles from Vineland.
Vineland has about 61,000 people living there and has a lot to offer.
Residents make a decent living, with the average median household income at $55,740.
If you can imagine yourself living here, you’ll be able to take advantage of the beautiful downtown area and various parks within.
4. Newark
Also making the list of being one of the cheapest places to live in New Jersey is Newark.
Newark is a very well-known town in the state.
But what’s the average selling price of a home in Newark?
If you’re thinking about buying a home, you may pay an average buying price of $383,000.
It’s only moderately more expensive than Vineland, but it’s worth adding to the list.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom in Newark is $2,837.
There’s also plenty to explore in Newark, including the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and the Newark Art Museum.
You’ll also be thrilled to check out Branch Brook Park, where you will find beautiful cherry blossoms.
5. New Brunswick
Make sure you add New Brunswick to your list of places to check out if you’re searching for one of the cheapest towns to move to in New Jersey.
New Brunswick has a median home price of $397,500.
The average rent paid for a one-bedroom is $2,360.
In terms of metro areas, it’s located 28 miles away from Newark.
55,300 call New Brunswick home. Residents living here can take advantage of various benefits that can only be found in big cities.
New Brunswick hosts various comedy shows and has many theaters around the area.
The downtown area is also amazing to explore.
6. Toms River
If you’re looking for more places to add to your list in terms of affordability, consider Toms River.
The average sale price of a home in Toms River is $400,000.
The average rent for a one-bedroom is $1,899.
It’s located only 30 miles from New York City, for those wanting to stay close to a major city.
Home prices in Toms River are nearly $95,000 less than the average in the state.
But how many people live in Toms River?
Toms River is home to nearly 96,000 people.
Toms River offers many things to do, including boat cruising along the river, Cactus Island Park, and much more.
7. East Orange
East Orange is another wonderful place to consider moving to if you’re looking for affordable places to live.
The median home price in East Orange is $405,000, while the average rent paid for a one-bedroom is $1,709.
The nearest major metro area is just 3 miles away.
Nearly 70,000 people call East Orange home.
It’s a great area to reside in, as it has a lot to offer.
If you make East Orange your final decision, be sure to check out one of the many parks in town, including Monte Irvin Orange Park.
8. Perth Amboy
Next on the list for being one of the most affordable places to live is Perth Amboy.
The average cost of a home is $405,000.
The average rent paid is $1,700 for a one-bedroom.
But what about the nearest metro area?
Newark is located just 22 miles away if you still want to live close to a big city.
55,400 residents call Perth Amboy home.
There’s a lot to do here.
For instance, be sure to check out the Proprietary House if you love history.
This is a historic home that dates back to 1764.
Also, visit the High Street Municipal Fishing Pier.
Smith Street also has various restaurants and shops to check out.
9. Plainfield
Plainfield also tops the list as one of the cheapest places in New Jersey to live.
The average cost of a home in Plainfield is $411,500, while the average cost of a one-bedroom is $1,900.
Newark is located only 18 miles away.
The population of Plainfield is 54,600.
Residents living here can take advantage of various things, such as Green Brook Park, Cedar Brook Park, and charming, historic homes located throughout the city.
10. Elizabeth
Elizabeth also tops the list for being one of the cheapest places to live in New Jersey.
The average home price is $420,000, while the average rent paid for a one-bedroom is $2,350.
Are you looking for the closest major metro area?
Newark is just 6 miles away.
Elizabeth has nearly 137,300 residents living there.
The town has a lot to offer, including the Elizabeth River Parkway and the Ritz Theatre & Performing Arts Center.
Union Square in Elizabeth has various restaurants and shops to enjoy.
11. Winslow Township
Winslow Township is nestled in between two amazing nature preserves and is also budget-friendly.
The population of Winslow Township is 39,904, while the median household income is $81,122.
Does renting sound better to you?
The average rent paid in Winslow Township is $1,800.
Winslow Township has much more to offer residents besides affordability.
There are plenty of wineries, a golf club, and paintball centers to keep you entertained.
Winslow Township is extremely diverse and ideal for those looking for a tight-knit community.
12. Gloucester Township
Gloucester Township is ideal to live in for those looking for an area that doesn’t break the bank.
70,000 people call Gloucester Township home, as it is an extremely tight-knit community.
Homeowners bring home an average of $88,699 per year.
For renters, $3,300 is the average rent paid for a one-bedroom apartment.
Overall, homes are moderately priced.
Gloucester Township places a strong emphasis on businesses and community support.
This helps residents to blossom and have access to various amenities.
There are many things to do here, including Proprietors Park and Royal Mile Coffee Roasters.
13. Pennsauken Township
Last on the list for being one of the most affordable places to live in New Jersey is Pennsauken Township.
The town has fair housing costs.
The median rent price is $1,600.
The median household income is $72,802.
Pennsauken Township is made up of 37,139 people and is entirely diverse.
The transit center in town enables those living here to easily get around surrounding neighborhoods with no problems.
There are also plenty of things to do in the city, such as boating at Cooper River Lake and golfing.
The Griffith Morgan House Historical Museum is also worth a visit.
New Jersey Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: New Jersey Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW
- MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
- TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in New Jersey?
Overall, you shouldn’t consider the average cost of living in New Jersey and instead look at individual towns when looking for an affordable place to live.
The cost of living is 11% above the national average.
Housing is 30% above the national average.
Utilities are nearly 12% higher than the national average.
In terms of healthcare services, the costs in New Jersey are 2% below the national average.
Does New Jersey offer affordable housing programs?
New Jersey offers various programs in the state to provide low rent costs for those who qualify.
For example, there is housing with available project vouchers, senior or disabled housing, rural housing, public housing, and even multifamily housing programs available.
What are some of the cheapest neighborhoods in New Jersey to live in?
Here is a list of some of the cheapest neighborhoods in New Jersey to consider moving to:
- Journal Square
- Browns Mills
- Princeton Meadows
- Crestwood Village
- Upper Montclair
- Short Hills
