Kearny, NJ

Above Avg · 125

New Jersey · Population 40,570 · Updated March 2026

$1,649
Median Rent / Month
$83,212
Median Income
$431,700
Median Home Value
$1,718
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Kearny

23.8%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in New Jersey

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

10.75%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
6.625%
Sales Tax
2.23%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$19,788
Annual Rent
$8,945
State Income Tax
$9,627
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Kearny has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 125 (where 100 equals the national median), Kearny residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,649/month while earning a median household income of $83,212/year.

The median home value in Kearny, NJ is $431,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,718 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 23.8% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

New Jersey's top income tax rate of 10.75% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 6.625% sales tax rate and 2.23% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Kearny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Kearny

What is the cost of living in Kearny, NJ?
The cost of living index in Kearny, NJ is 125 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,649, median household income is $83,212/year, and the median home value is $431,700.
Is Kearny, NJ affordable?
No, Kearny is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 125. The rent-to-income ratio is 23.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Kearny, NJ?
The median gross rent in Kearny, NJ is $1,649 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $19,788.
What is the median household income in Kearny?
The median household income in Kearny, NJ is $83,212 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in New Jersey?
New Jersey has a top income tax rate of 10.75%, a sales tax of 6.625%, and an effective property tax rate of 2.23%.