Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$111,549$9,296 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Middlesex County, NJ
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Middlesex County, NJ
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, 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.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $1,804 | $21,648 | $72,160 | 19.4% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,978 | $23,736 | $79,120 | 21.3% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $2,486 | $29,832 | $99,440 | 26.7% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $2,981 | $35,772 | $119,240 | 32.1% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $3,296 | $39,552 | $131,840 | 35.5% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Middlesex County, NJ
Based on the local median household income of $111,549/year ($9,296/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
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.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across New Jersey with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Middlesex County, NJ
What is the median household income in Middlesex County, NJ?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Middlesex County, NJ is $111,549 per year (approximately $9,296 per month).
What is the average rent in Middlesex County, NJ?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Middlesex County, NJ are $1,804 for a studio, $1,978 for 1 bedroom, $2,486 for 2 bedrooms, $2,981 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,296 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Middlesex County, NJ compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Middlesex County, NJ is 112.6 (12.6% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Middlesex County, NJ?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,486/month) in Middlesex County, NJ requires a minimum gross household income of $99,440 per year ($8,287 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Middlesex County, NJ?
For a typical household earning the median income of $111,549/year ($9,296/month) in Middlesex County, NJ, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $4,648/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,789/month to discretionary spending, and $1,859/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Middlesex 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.