Cost of Living in Trenton, NJ
Population 89,966 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $47,102, median household incomes in Trenton land roughly 37% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. Around 25% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Trenton is about 25 miles northeast of Philadelphia, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than Philadelphia's $232,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Trenton
The median home value in Trenton is $122,500 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,224/month, 7% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,102/year is 37% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.5%, 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 63.4°F and lows of 44.8°F, with about 26.6" of annual snowfall. Overall, Trenton has a cost of living index of 61 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 39% 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 | 40 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 72 | 81 | 86 | 84 | 77 | 66 | 55 | 44 |
| Low °F | 24 | 26 | 33 | 42 | 52 | 61 | 67 | 65 | 58 | 46 | 36 | 29 |
| Precip" | 3.29 | 2.65 | 4.00 | 3.63 | 3.99 | 4.35 | 4.42 | 4.22 | 4.05 | 3.79 | 3.20 | 4.04 |
| Snow" | 8.2 | 8.7 | 4.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.5 | 4.6 |
💨 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 Trenton, NJ?
Trenton has a cost index of 61 (100 = national average). It is 39% below the national average.
What is average rent in Trenton, NJ?
The median gross rent in Trenton is $1,224 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Trenton?
The median home value in Trenton is $122,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Trenton?
The median household income in Trenton is $47,102 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Trenton, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Trenton is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Trenton, NJ affordable?
Yes, Trenton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 61 — about 39% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Trenton?
Trenton has average high temperatures of 63.4°F and average lows of 44.8°F. Annual precipitation is 45.6". Average annual snowfall is 26.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Trenton at a Glance
- Population
- 89,966
- Median Income
- $47,102
- Home Value
- $122,500
- Median Rent
- $1,224/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
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