Cost of Living in Atlantic City, NJ
Population 38,486 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $36,220, median household incomes in Atlantic City land roughly 51% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 34% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Atlantic City is about 55 miles southeast of Philadelphia, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Philadelphia's $232,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Atlantic City
The median home value in Atlantic City is $189,600 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,084/month, 18% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $36,220/year is 51% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.6%, above the national average of 4.8%. New Jersey's top state income tax rate is 10.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.6%. The climate averages highs of 60.9°F and lows of 50.1°F. Overall, Atlantic City has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 42 | 43 | 48 | 57 | 66 | 75 | 80 | 79 | 74 | 65 | 55 | 47 |
| Low °F | 30 | 31 | 37 | 46 | 55 | 65 | 71 | 70 | 65 | 54 | 43 | 35 |
| Precip" | 3.09 | 3.27 | 4.27 | 3.36 | 3.10 | 3.23 | 3.75 | 4.13 | 3.56 | 4.25 | 3.44 | 4.17 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Atlantic City, NJ?
Atlantic City has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Atlantic City, NJ?
The median gross rent in Atlantic City is $1,084 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Atlantic City?
The median home value in Atlantic City is $189,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Atlantic City?
The median household income in Atlantic City is $36,220 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Atlantic City, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Atlantic City is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Atlantic City, NJ affordable?
Yes, Atlantic City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Atlantic City?
Atlantic City has average high temperatures of 60.9°F and average lows of 50.1°F. Annual precipitation is 43.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Atlantic City at a Glance
- Population
- 38,486
- Median Income
- $36,220
- Home Value
- $189,600
- Median Rent
- $1,084/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New Jersey Rankings
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