F
22%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
48%
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 Perth Amboy New Jersey National
Cost of living122125100
Groceries107108100
Health care109112100
Housing148157100
Transportation117114100
Utilities109111100
Lifestyle & Entertainment114113100
Household Items107107100
Education & Childcare115120100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Perth Amboy, NJ

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Perth Amboy? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Perth Amboy stands at 122, making it 22% higher than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

The cost of living in Perth Amboy is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Perth Amboy falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Perth Amboy 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 48.5% 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 Perth Amboy Affordable?

Wondering if Perth Amboy 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 Perth Amboy, for example, the median home price is 49.4% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 46.4% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Perth Amboy boasting a median household income of $79,417, which is 2.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Perth Amboy?

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Perth Amboy, healthcare costs are 9.1% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Perth Amboy, the transportation index is 17.4% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Perth Amboy, the utilities index stands at 8.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Perth Amboy 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 Perth Amboy is 3% lower than the New Jersey average
  • The cost of living in Perth Amboy is 22% higher than the national average
  • Perth Amboy housing is 48% 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 Perth Amboy

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Compare Perth Amboy, 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$123,358$10,280$2,878$3,701
      Renters$62,297$5,191$1,453$1,869
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Perth Amboy, NJ, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Perth Amboy have a median income of $123,358. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,878 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $62,297, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,453.

      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.
      Rossmoor, NJ2,7691043.7%
      Clearbrook Park, NJ3,20811010.3%
      Keansburg, NJ10,05011414.1%
      Concordia, NJ2,62011414.0%
      Roselle, NJ22,32111615.7%
      Perth Amboy, NJ53,48012222.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bentonville, AR53,4011044.5%
      Queen Creek, AZ53,58513131.3%
      Brandon, MB53,334n/a 
      Placentia, CA53,64917474.4%
      Oak Park, IL53,29512727.1%
      Perth Amboy, NJ53,48012222.1%
      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.