Cost of Living in Middlesex County, New Jersey

$1,810/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$439,300

Median Home Value

15% above state averageUnaffordableACS 2019-2023 · Updated Dec 2024 Compare this county Explore on Map

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,810/mo

15% above state average

Median Home Value

$439,300

56% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

28.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Middlesex County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Middlesex County$1,810/mo

New Jersey Average$1,577/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,810/mo

Median Gross Rent

$439,300

Median Home Value

$2,196/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

28.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

National Ranking

Affordability Rank

Middlesex County ranks #2,388 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 24%)

Most AffordableLeast Affordable

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Middlesex County, New Jersey

Middlesex walks the middle ground

Middlesex County's 19.9% rent-to-income ratio sits just above New Jersey's 19.1% state average, with a median income of $109,028 and median rent of $1,810. The county's strong earning power—46% above the national median of $74,755—helps offset its above-average rent pressure.

Middlesex near Jersey's average

At 19.9%, Middlesex's rent-to-income ratio hovers just above the state average of 19.1%, placing it slightly below the affordability line of most New Jersey counties. With a median income of $109,028, residents here earn enough to handle the higher rents that come with central-Jersey location and transit access.

Higher rents than Mercer, better income

Middlesex's $1,810 median rent exceeds Mercer's $1,515 by $295, but Middlesex households earn $109,028 versus Mercer's $96,333—a $12,700 advantage that narrows the gap. Compared to Hudson's nearly identical rent ($1,811), Middlesex earners make more, easing affordability pressure.

Income advantage cushions higher rents

Renters pay $1,810 monthly while homeowners face $2,196, with the median household income of $109,028 providing above-state-average earnings to absorb these costs. Housing claims roughly a fifth of Middlesex income—manageable but noticeable in monthly budgets.

Decent affordability for mid-to-high earners

Middlesex works well for households earning $100,000+, offering solid income levels to offset central-Jersey rents and excellent transit access. If you're relocating with above-average income, Middlesex's suburban and urban options provide reliable affordability.

Cost of Living Advisory: Middlesex County

Affordability Verdict

Housing in Middlesex County is affordable. The median rent is $1,810/month against a median household income of $109,028, putting rent at 19.9% of income.

Rent vs. Own

At $1,810/month rent versus $2,196/month in owner costs, renting is roughly $386/month cheaper — a 18% difference.

Income Needed

To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $72,400/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $94,114/year. With a median household income of $109,028, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Middlesex County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.

Regional Context

Compared to Bergen County where rent averages $1,863/month, Middlesex County is approximately 3% less expensive.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Middlesex County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

19.9%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,544

per month

Owner Cost Burden

24.2%

of gross income

The median home in Middlesex County may be a stretch

Median home value is $439,300. Estimated monthly cost: $3,507 vs. your max of $2,544.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio19.9%

Recommended max30.0%

Income Needed Calculator

See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $109,028Needed: $72,400

Owner Cost Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $109,028Needed: $94,114

Mortgage Affordability

$0/yr

Needed to stay within recommended threshold

Median income:$0/yr

Can you afford it? Yes

Your income: $109,028Needed: $102,237

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

What is the cost of living in Middlesex County, New Jersey?

Middlesex County, New Jersey has a median monthly rent of $1,810/mo and a median home value of $439,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 28.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Middlesex County?

The median gross rent in Middlesex County is $1,810/mo. This is 15% above state average for New Jersey.

Is Middlesex County affordable?

Middlesex County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 28.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Middlesex County's rent compare to the state average?

Middlesex County's median rent of $1,810/mo is 15% above state average of $1,577/mo for New Jersey.

What is the median home value in Middlesex County?

The median home value in Middlesex County, New Jersey is $439,300. This is 56% above the national median home value of $281,900.