Cost of Living in Passaic County, New Jersey

$1,553/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$439,400

Median Home Value

2% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$1,553/mo

2% below state average

Median Home Value

$439,400

56% above national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

33.0%

% 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 Passaic County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Passaic County$1,553/mo

New Jersey Average$1,577/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$1,553/mo

Median Gross Rent

$439,400

Median Home Value

$2,385/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

33.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Passaic County, New Jersey

Passaic rents stretch median income thin

Passaic County's 21.4% rent-to-income ratio exceeds New Jersey's 19.1% average, with a median household income of $87,137 supporting a median rent of $1,553. While rents remain below state average, Passaic's lower incomes make the housing burden comparatively heavier.

Passaic struggles with affordability

At 21.4%, Passaic's rent-to-income ratio ranks among New Jersey's worst, well above the state average of 19.1% and higher than most neighboring counties. The combination of below-state-average income and above-average affordability pressure creates real housing stress for Passaic renters.

Lower rents than Hudson, lower income

Passaic's $1,553 median rent is $258 below Hudson's $1,811, but Passaic households earn $87,137 versus Hudson's $90,032—leaving Passaic renters with less breathing room. Compared to Mercer's $1,515 rent and $96,333 income, Passaic ranks less favorable on both metrics.

Owners face steep costs too

Renters pay $1,553 monthly while homeowners face $2,385—among the state's highest owner costs relative to income. The median household income of $87,137 must stretch across both paths, making Passaic's housing market challenging whether renting or buying.

Consider location and income carefully

Passaic County suits households earning $90,000+ seeking urban access and affordability, but renters should budget carefully with 21.4% of income going to housing. If you're relocating with higher income, nearby Mercer County's 18.9% ratio may provide better value for similar rents.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Passaic County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

21.4%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$2,033

per month

Owner Cost Burden

32.8%

of gross income

The median home in Passaic County may be a stretch

Median home value is $439,400. Estimated monthly cost: $3,508 vs. your max of $2,033.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio21.4%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Passaic County, New Jersey has a median monthly rent of $1,553/mo and a median home value of $439,400. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 33.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Passaic County?

The median gross rent in Passaic County is $1,553/mo. This is 2% below state average for New Jersey.

Is Passaic County affordable?

Passaic County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 33.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

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

Passaic County's median rent of $1,553/mo is 2% below state average of $1,577/mo for New Jersey.

What is the median home value in Passaic County?

The median home value in Passaic County, New Jersey is $439,400. This is 56% above the national median home value of $281,900.