Cost of Living in Hudson County, New Jersey
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Hudson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Hudson County ranks #2,941 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 6%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Hudson County, New Jersey
Hudson rents eat 24% of income
Hudson County residents spend 24.1% of their median household income on rent, well above the national average of roughly 28% for renters. With a median income of $90,032 and median rent of $1,811 per month, Hudson sits in a tighter squeeze than many parts of the country—paycheck stretched by coastal proximity and transit access.
Hudson ranks in top half statewide
Hudson's 24.1% rent-to-income ratio exceeds New Jersey's state average of 19.1%, placing it among the less affordable counties in the state. While the county's median rent of $1,811 is $234 above the state average, its higher median income of $90,032 provides some cushion compared to lower-earning regions.
Pricier than Passaic, cheaper than Morris
Hudson's $1,811 median rent sits between Passaic County's more affordable $1,553 and Morris County's steeper $1,860. However, Hudson residents earn less than counterparts in Morris ($134,929) or Monmouth ($122,727), making the same or higher rents stretch thinner.
Renters feel the squeeze
Renters pay $1,811 monthly while homeowners face $2,523, leaving renters with relatively lower absolute costs but a steeper affordability burden. The typical Hudson household earning $90,032 annually dedicates nearly a quarter of gross income to housing, limiting options for savings, transit, or childcare.
Consider your housing choice carefully
If you're relocating to the Hudson area, test both renting and owning scenarios against your income—renters face the state's tighter affordability squeeze. Nearby Mercer County offers a 18.9% rent-to-income ratio and lower median rent ($1,515), worth exploring if you're flexible on location.
Cost of Living Advisory: Hudson County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Hudson County is affordable. The median rent is $1,811/month against a median household income of $90,032, putting rent at 24.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Hudson County is $1,811/month, while owner costs run $2,523/month. Renting saves approximately $712/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $72,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $108,129/year. With a median household income of $90,032, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Hudson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New Jersey, Hudson County is less affordable than Bergen County by roughly 3% ($1,811/mo vs $1,863/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Hudson County
Rent Burden
24.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,101
per month
Owner Cost Burden
33.6%
of gross income
The median home in Hudson County may be a stretch
Median home value is $508,600. Estimated monthly cost: $4,060 vs. your max of $2,101.
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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