A good salary in New Jersey depends heavily on your proximity to New York City. Here’s a complete breakdown.
Quick Answer
| Situation | Good Salary | Comfortable Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Single, NJ average | $70,000-$95,000 | $55,000-$70,000 |
| Single in Jersey City | $85,000-$110,000 | $70,000-$85,000 |
| Single in Newark | $60,000-$80,000 | $50,000-$60,000 |
| Single in South Jersey | $55,000-$75,000 | $45,000-$55,000 |
| Family of 4 | $120,000-$160,000 | $100,000-$120,000 |
Key consideration: New Jersey has high property taxes (the highest in the nation) and state income tax, but many residents earn NYC salaries while living in NJ.
Why New Jersey Is Expensive
New Jersey challenges include:
- Highest property taxes in the US (average $9,400/year)
- State income tax up to 10.75% on high incomes
- Proximity to NYC drives up housing costs in northern NJ
- Cost of living 12% above national average
Good Salary by New Jersey Area
Jersey City / Hoboken (Hudson County)
The most expensive area due to NYC access via PATH train.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $55,000 | $95,000 |
| Comfortable | $75,000 | $130,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $100,000+ | $170,000+ |
Median home price: ~$650,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$2,800/month
Newark
More affordable while still having good transit to NYC.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $40,000 | $75,000 |
| Comfortable | $55,000 | $95,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $75,000+ | $125,000+ |
Median home price: ~$380,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,600/month
Central New Jersey (Princeton, New Brunswick)
Suburban areas with good schools and corporate campuses.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $45,000 | $85,000 |
| Comfortable | $65,000 | $110,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $85,000+ | $145,000+ |
Median home price: ~$520,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,900/month
South Jersey (Cherry Hill, Camden area)
The most affordable region with Philadelphia access.
| Category | Single Person | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum to survive | $38,000 | $70,000 |
| Comfortable | $50,000 | $85,000 |
| Good lifestyle | $70,000+ | $115,000+ |
Median home price: ~$340,000
Average rent (1BR): ~$1,400/month
How Much House Can You Afford in New Jersey?
| Annual Salary | Max Home Price (28% rule) |
|---|---|
| $75,000 | $280,000-$310,000 |
| $100,000 | $380,000-$420,000 |
| $150,000 | $580,000-$640,000 |
| $200,000 | $780,000-$860,000 |
Note: High property taxes (~2.5%) reduce your purchasing power compared to other states.
See our mortgage affordability calculators for detailed breakdowns.
New Jersey vs. Other Northeastern States
| State | $100K Salary Take-Home | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $74,200 | 112 |
| New York | $71,500 | 123 |
| Connecticut | $73,800 | 111 |
| Pennsylvania | $77,200 | 94 |
| Massachusetts | $73,500 | 118 |
Related Guides
- What is a good salary in New York?
- What is a good salary in Pennsylvania?
- How much house on $100K salary?
- US Income Percentile Calculator