| Index | Atlantic City | New Jersey | National |
| Cost of living | 104 | 125 | 100 |
| Groceries | 108 | 108 | 100 |
| Health care | 110 | 112 | 100 |
| Housing | 88 | 157 | 100 |
| Transportation | 114 | 114 | 100 |
| Utilities | 112 | 111 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 114 | 113 | 100 |
| Household Items | 104 | 107 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 119 | 120 | 100 |
The cost of living in Atlantic City affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Atlantic City is 104, which is 4% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
The cost of living in Atlantic City is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.
Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 6 residents in Atlantic City to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 33% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 67% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.
Is Atlantic City affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Atlantic City, the median home price is 15.3% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 4.4% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Atlantic City boasting a median household income of $43,880, 46% lower than the national average.
Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can undergo substantial fluctuations based on the city or state of residence. Elements such as the availability of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket costs for medical consultations, dental expenses, prescription medication charges and specialized medical care fees all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Atlantic City, healthcare costs are 9.6% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Atlantic City starts at 6.625% and the income tax rates start at 1.4%.
Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Atlantic City are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $76,358 | $6,363 | $1,782 | $2,291 |
| Renters | $35,065 | $2,922 | $818 | $1,052 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| New Jersey | 6.625% | 12.625% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| New Jersey | 1.4% | 10.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Strathmere, NJ | 60 | 111 | 11.2% |
| Elwood, NJ | 1,275 | 101 | 1.3% |
| Egg Harbor City, NJ | 4,175 | 103 | 3.4% |
| Pleasantville, NJ | 20,927 | 104 | 3.5% |
| Pomona, NJ | 7,980 | 107 | 7.5% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | 38,810 | 104 | 4.2% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Spartanburg, SC | 38,808 | 92 | 8.2% |
| Hanover Park, IL | 38,780 | 107 | 7.0% |
| Park Ridge, IL | 38,854 | 136 | 35.8% |
| Navarre, FL | 38,864 | 115 | 14.6% |
| Valley Stream, NY | 38,754 | 144 | 44.4% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | 38,810 | 104 | 4.2% |
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