New Jersey · Population 18,538 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Preakness
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Preakness has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 164 (where 100 equals the national median), Preakness residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,946/month while earning a median household income of $133,168/year.
The median home value in Preakness, NJ is $603,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,379 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% 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 Preakness.
Common questions about living costs in Preakness