New Jersey · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Camden, NJ

The median household in Camden, NJ earns $40,546 a year ($3,379/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,810/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $72,400 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 2.6% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$40,546$3,379 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,810HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)102.6+2.6% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate25¢per kWh · EIA Residential NJ
Census Population71,496Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Camden, NJ

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Severe cost burden (> 50%)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,810Monthly market rent
Share of gross income53.6%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$72,400To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,014At 30% of $40,546
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Camden, NJ

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD MSA. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Camden, NJ
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,397$16,764$55,88041.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,520$18,240$60,80045%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,810$21,720$72,40053.6%
3-Bedroom Home$2,170$26,040$86,80064.2%
4-Bedroom Home$2,423$29,076$96,92071.7%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Camden, NJ →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Camden, NJ

Based on the local median household income of $40,546/year ($3,379/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$1,689/moRent ($1,810 2-BR), utilities (~$225/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,014/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 102.6 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$676/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in New Jersey

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and New Jersey state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$40,546
$15,000$85,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$40,546
Net 84%
Fed 7%
NJ 2%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$34,057After all taxes
Monthly deposit$2,838Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,310Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate16%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$2,686 / yr
New Jersey state income tax$702 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$3,102 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across New Jersey with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Camden, NJ

What is the median household income in Camden, NJ?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Camden, NJ is $40,546 per year (approximately $3,379 per month).

What is the average rent in Camden, NJ?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Camden, NJ are $1,397 for a studio, $1,520 for 1 bedroom, $1,810 for 2 bedrooms, $2,170 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,423 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Camden, NJ compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Camden, NJ is 102.6 (2.6% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Camden, NJ?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,810/month) in Camden, NJ requires a minimum gross household income of $72,400 per year ($6,033 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Camden, NJ?

For a typical household earning the median income of $40,546/year ($3,379/month) in Camden, NJ, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $1,689/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,014/month to discretionary spending, and $676/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Camden, NJ?

Residential electricity rates in New Jersey average 25¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $225 per month.