New Brunswick, NJ

Above Avg · 117

New Jersey · Population 55,744 · Updated March 2026

$1,790
Median Rent / Month
$60,248
Median Income
$316,800
Median Home Value
$1,791
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in New Brunswick

35.7%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Burdened
Rent takes more than 35% of median income — considered cost-burdened.

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

$21,480
Annual Rent
$6,477
State Income Tax
$7,065
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

New Brunswick is more expensive than the national average. Higher housing costs are typically the primary driver. With a cost index of 117 (where 100 equals the national median), New Brunswick residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,790/month while earning a median household income of $60,248/year.

The median home value in New Brunswick, NJ is $316,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,791 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The 35.7% rent-to-income ratio indicates significant housing cost burden. Residents spend well over a third of their income on rent alone.

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 New Brunswick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in New Brunswick

What is the cost of living in New Brunswick, NJ?
The cost of living index in New Brunswick, NJ is 117 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,790, median household income is $60,248/year, and the median home value is $316,800.
Is New Brunswick, NJ affordable?
No, New Brunswick is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 117. The rent-to-income ratio is 35.7%—above the 30%% affordability threshold.
What is the average rent in New Brunswick, NJ?
The median gross rent in New Brunswick, NJ is $1,790 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $21,480.
What is the median household income in New Brunswick?
The median household income in New Brunswick, NJ is $60,248 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%.