F
27%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
58%
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 Ocean Acres New Jersey National
Cost of living127125100
Groceries107108100
Health care112112100
Housing158157100
Transportation117114100
Utilities116111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113113100
Household Items107107100
Education & Childcare122120100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Ocean Acres, NJ

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Ocean Acres 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 Ocean Acres is 127, which is 27% higher 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.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Ocean Acres is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Ocean Acres falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Ocean Acres cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 58.3% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Ocean Acres Affordable?

Wondering if Ocean Acres is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Ocean Acres, for example, the median home price is 46.2% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 86.4% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Ocean Acres boasting a median household income of $141,113, which is 73.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Ocean Acres?

Utilities: As with the prices of anything else, utility costs can exhibit significant variations, contingent on factors like climate, energy source availability, geographic location and state regulations. The expenses associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, either upward or downward, depending on the particular city or state. In Ocean Acres, the utilities index registers 16.2% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Ocean Acres, the healthcare costs are 12.4% higher than the national average.

Groceries: Grocery prices have seen substantial hikes in the last 2-3 years, with some markets witnessing food cost increases of over 20% during this period. Conversely, certain markets have experienced only moderate upticks. These variations in food expenses can have a substantial impact on the overall cost of living in any locality. In Ocean Acres, the groceries index is 7.3% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Ocean Acres cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Ocean Acres is 1% higher than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Ocean Acres is 27% higher than the national average
  • Ocean Acres housing is 58% higher 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 Ocean Acres

See all the best places to live around Ocean Acres

Compare Ocean Acres, NJ Cost of Living

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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$142,676$11,890$3,329$4,281
      Renters$94,448$7,871$2,204$2,834
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Ocean Acres, NJ, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Ocean Acres, homeowners have a median income of $142,676. Using that number, a maximum of $3,329 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $94,448, which means there is a maximum of $2,204 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Cedar Glen Lakes, NJ1,661918.5%
      Crestwood Village, NJ8,315964.2%
      Holiday Heights, NJ1,96711312.8%
      Presidential Lakes Estates, NJ1,77111413.7%
      Holiday City South, NJ4,08311515.1%
      Ocean Acres, NJ17,77412726.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Port Hope, ON17,769n/a 
      New Castle, IN17,7798118.6%
      Miramichi, NB17,761n/a 
      Nederland, TX17,748954.7%
      Pampa, TX17,7438514.6%
      Ocean Acres, NJ17,77412726.6%
      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.