By J. Mayhew | wdhafm.com

New Jersey is now the fifth most expensive state in the country for renters, highlighting the growing challenge of housing affordability. According to the 2026 Out of Reach report, a full-time worker needs to earn $43.89 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom rental at fair market rent without spending more than 30% of their income on housing.

The average New Jersey renter earns just $24.92 per hour, creating a significant gap between wages and housing costs. The statewide fair-market rent for a two-bedroom home is $2,282 per month.

Within New Jersey, Hudson County has the highest rental costs, while Hunterdon, Middlesex, and Somerset counties also rank among the most expensive areas for renters. The rising cost of rent continues to put pressure on households across the state, making housing affordability an increasingly important issue for New Jersey residents.

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