A
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
39%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Camden New Jersey National
Cost of living96125100
Groceries108108100
Health care112112100
Housing61157100
Transportation111114100
Utilities110111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113113100
Household Items109107100
Education & Childcare115120100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Camden, NJ

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Camden is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Camden is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

The cost of living in Camden closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Camden can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Camden?

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 10 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Camden and this is how they responded. 60% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 40% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Camden Affordable?

Is Camden an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Camden is 54.8% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 3.5% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Camden has a median household income of $42,470, which is 47.8% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Camden?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

Groceries: Over the past 2-3 years, grocery expenses have experienced substantial upward trends. In certain markets, food prices have surged by over 20% during this period, while others have witnessed more modest increases. These fluctuations in food costs can wield significant influence over the overall cost of living in a given region. In Camden, the groceries index is 7.6% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Like everything else, utilities costs can range significantly depending on factors like climate, energy sources available, location and even state regulations. Things like electricity, water, heating and waste disposal costs can be higher or lower, depending on the city or state. The utilities index in Camden comes in at 10.4% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Camden cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Camden is 24% lower than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Camden is 4% lower than the national average
  • Camden housing is 39% lower than the national average
  • New Jersey general sales tax is 30% higher than the national average
  • New Jersey state income tax is 46% lower than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Camden

See all the best places to live around Camden

Compare Camden, NJ Cost of Living

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      Utilities index
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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$69,220$5,768$1,615$2,077
      Renters$32,654$2,721$762$980
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Camden, NJ, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Camden, the median monthly income is $69,220 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,615 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $32,654, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $762 on monthly rental expenses.

      New Jersey Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      New Jersey 6.625% 12.625%

      New Jersey Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      New Jersey 1.4% 10.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Arcadia University, PA6091000.1%
      Pine Valley, NJ1111110.6%
      Tavistock, NJ511110.6%
      Prospect Park CDP, PA2337921.0%
      Audubon Park, NJ1,003927.9%
      Camden, NJ76,587964.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Rochester Hills, MI76,61211717.4%
      Union City, CA76,617201101.1%
      Cheektowaga, NY76,3951000.3%
      Pasco, WA76,82111312.8%
      Jacksonville, NC76,345981.5%
      Camden, NJ76,587964.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.