Cost of Living in Atlantic County, New Jersey
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Atlantic County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Atlantic County ranks #3,008 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 4%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Atlantic County, New Jersey
Atlantic County's rent burden tops nation
Atlantic County residents spend 20.7% of household income on rent, well above the national average of 18.5%. While the county's median household income of $76,819 slightly exceeds the national median of $74,755, housing costs consume a larger share of earnings here than in most U.S. counties.
Middle-of-the-road affordability in New Jersey
Atlantic County ranks in the middle tier among New Jersey's 21 counties for rental affordability, with a 20.7% rent-to-income ratio slightly higher than the state average of 19.1%. The county's median rent of $1,325 sits well below the statewide average of $1,577, offering some relief compared to northern New Jersey.
More affordable than Cape May, pricier than Cumberland
Atlantic County's $1,325 median rent falls between its southern neighbors: Cape May County renters pay $1,345 monthly, while Cumberland County averages just $1,254. Compared to nearby Burlington County's $1,669, Atlantic offers noticeably cheaper housing while maintaining similar income levels.
Rent or own? Atlantic County costs diverge
Renters in Atlantic County face $1,325 monthly payments versus homeowners paying $1,675 monthly, creating a $350 gap. With median household income at $76,819, housing costs consume roughly 21-26% of income depending on tenure—a squeeze that leaves limited room for other expenses.
Consider Atlantic for better beach access and affordability
If you're weighing South Jersey options, Atlantic County delivers below-state-average rents paired with solid median income, making it competitive for renters and moderate-income buyers. The county's lower home values ($272,700) compared to Bergen ($593,200) or Essex ($494,400) offer an exit ramp from New Jersey's steepest coastal markets.
Cost of Living Advisory: Atlantic County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Atlantic County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,325/month in gross rent, with 32.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Atlantic County pay $1,325/month on average, compared to $1,675/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 21%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $53,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $71,786/year. With a median household income of $76,819, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Atlantic County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Cumberland County where rent averages $1,254/month, Atlantic County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Atlantic County
Rent Burden
20.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,792
per month
Owner Cost Burden
26.2%
of gross income
The median home in Atlantic County may be a stretch
Median home value is $272,700. Estimated monthly cost: $2,177 vs. your max of $1,792.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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