New Jersey · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Cape May County, NJ

The median household in Cape May County, NJ earns $91,128 a year ($7,594/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,792/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $71,680 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 1.1% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$91,128$7,594 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,792HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)98.9-1.1% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate25¢per kWh · EIA Residential NJ
Census Population94,941Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Cape May County, NJ

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,792Monthly market rent
Share of gross income23.6%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$71,680To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$2,278At 30% of $91,128
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Cape May County, NJ

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Cape May County, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 Cape May County, NJ
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,320$15,840$52,80017.4%
1-Bedroom Apartment$1,366$16,392$54,64018%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,792$21,504$71,68023.6%
3-Bedroom Home$2,396$28,752$95,84031.6%
4-Bedroom Home$2,405$28,860$96,20031.7%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Cape May County, NJ →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Cape May County, NJ

Based on the local median household income of $91,128/year ($7,594/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$3,797/moRent ($1,792 2-BR), utilities (~$225/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$2,278/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 98.9 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$1,519/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.

$91,128
$35,000$185,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$91,128
Net 76%
Fed 12%
NJ 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$69,324After all taxes
Monthly deposit$5,777Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$2,666Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate23.9%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$11,218 / yr
New Jersey state income tax$3,615 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$6,971 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Cape May County, NJ

What is the median household income in Cape May County, NJ?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Cape May County, NJ is $91,128 per year (approximately $7,594 per month).

What is the average rent in Cape May County, NJ?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Cape May County, NJ are $1,320 for a studio, $1,366 for 1 bedroom, $1,792 for 2 bedrooms, $2,396 for 3 bedrooms, and $2,405 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Cape May County, NJ compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Cape May County, NJ is 98.9 (1.1% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Cape May County, NJ?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,792/month) in Cape May County, NJ requires a minimum gross household income of $71,680 per year ($5,973 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Cape May County, NJ?

For a typical household earning the median income of $91,128/year ($7,594/month) in Cape May County, NJ, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,797/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,278/month to discretionary spending, and $1,519/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Cape May County, 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.