New Jersey
Northeast · Capital: Trenton · Dense, diverse, and wedged between two great cities.
Population
9.3M
Median Home
$480K
Median Rent
$1,900/mo
Avg Salary
$76,000
Income Tax
6.37%
Cost of Living
Why people move to New Jersey
New Jersey is the nation's most densely populated state, offering the rare combination of proximity to both New York City and Philadelphia along with 130 miles of Jersey Shore coastline. High incomes, top-ranked public schools, and a diverse pharmaceutical and finance economy make it a magnet for commuters and families.
The catch is famous: New Jersey carries the highest property taxes in the country and a steep overall cost of living. But excellent schools, strong wages, and unbeatable access to two major cities keep it perennially in demand.
Region
Northeast
Capital
Trenton
Homeownership
64%
Unemployment
4.6%
Top cities
Newark
Population 311K
The state's largest city and transit gateway.
Jersey City
Population 292K
Waterfront finance hub across from Manhattan.
Paterson
Population 159K
Historic Silk City with a diverse population.
Princeton
Population 31K
Elite university town and pharma corridor.
Hoboken
Population 60K
Walkable, trendy square-mile city on the Hudson.
Cherry Hill
Population 75K
Affluent Philadelphia suburb with top schools.
Cost of living breakdown
Indexed to the U.S. national average (100). New Jersey's overall cost index is 125 — a very high cost state.
Housing
Median Home
$480K
Median Rent
$1,900/mo
Property Tax
2.23%
Homeowners
64%
| City | Cost level | Est. rent (1BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Newark | High cost | $2,375/mo |
| Jersey City | Very High cost | $3,050/mo |
| Paterson | Moderate cost | $1,900/mo |
| Princeton | Very High cost | $3,050/mo |
| Hoboken | Very High cost | $3,050/mo |
About 64% of residents own their homes. Effective property tax runs near 2.23% of assessed value — budget this into any purchase.
Housing assistance in New Jersey
Explore New Jersey vouchers, affordable apartments, down-payment help, rental & utility assistance, senior, veteran, and disability housing — with eligibility and how to apply.
Jobs & economy
Top industries
Major employers
- Johnson & Johnson
- Merck
- Prudential Financial
- RWJBarnabas Health
Unemployment
4.6%
Remote-friendly
High
Illustrative salaries by sector
Schools & education
K–12 & top districts
New Jersey public schools serve families across urban and suburban districts. Sought-after systems cluster around its largest metros — including Newark area schools, Jersey City area schools, Paterson area schools.
Universities & colleges
- Princeton University
- Rutgers University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
Healthcare
Major hospitals & systems
- Hackensack University Medical Center
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
Access & insurance landscape
Care access is strongest in and around Newark. Most residents use employer or marketplace (ACA) plans; rural areas can mean longer drives to specialist care, so factor network coverage into where you settle.
Transportation & getting around
Walk score
52/100
Transit
NJ Transit trains, buses, light rail, and PATH make commuting to NYC and Philly easy.
I-95 and I-90 connect the region's dense corridor of cities. Average one-way commute is about 34 minutes; walkability scores near 52/100 statewide, higher in the largest cities.
Airports & hubs
Newark
United Airlines hub
Weather & natural disaster risk
Humid subtropical to continental with hot summers, cold winters, and four seasons.
Taxes
State income tax
6.37%
State sales tax
6.625%
Property tax
2.23%
State income tax: 6.37%. Statewide sales tax is 6.625% (local add-ons may apply), and effective property tax averages 2.23% of home value.
Driver license & vehicle registration
New-resident timeline
60 days to register, 60 days for license.
Bring proof of identity, residency, and vehicle title. Expect a vision test and title transfer fees; a REAL ID upgrade needs extra documents.
Emissions testing
Required (some counties)
Typical license fee
$55–$110
Business registration & climate
LLC filing fee
$125
Corp income tax
Standard
Startup climate
Vibrant
Best for founders
Selective
Form an LLC through the Secretary of State's online portal for around $125. Startup resources include the Trenton Small Business Development Center, local SCORE chapters, and university programs at Princeton University.
Commercial space & coworking
Office and retail leasing is most active in Newark and Jersey City. Rates track the state's very high cost profile — expect a premium downtown and value in suburban submarkets.
Vendor & pop-up events
Atlantic City Airshow
A massive summer air show over the boardwalk.
New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning
One of North America's largest hot-air balloon festivals.
Churches & community resources
Faith communities
Highly diverse, with large Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, and Hindu communities.
Getting connected
Community centers, libraries, and newcomer meetups in Newark and Jersey City are great first stops to build a network.
Diverse communities
One of the most diverse states, with major Indian, Latino, and Filipino communities across the north.
The honest take on New Jersey
Pros
- Access to both NYC and Philadelphia
- Excellent public schools
- Diverse, high-income economy
Cons
- Highest property taxes in the U.S.
- High overall cost of living
- Dense traffic and congestion
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