South Jersey Cost of Living: What to Expect in 2026

One of the most common questions I hear from buyers considering a move to South Jersey is simple: how much does it really cost to live here? The answer depends on where you choose to live, what kind of home you buy, and how you live. This guide breaks down every major expense so you can budget with confidence.

Over 20 years of helping buyers and sellers in Burlington County and South Jersey, I have seen how the cost of living affects every family's decision. This guide draws on real market data and my experience working with hundreds of relocating families.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Home in South Jersey?

Housing is the single biggest expense for most households. Here is what you can expect to pay for a home in South Jersey in 2026:

Burlington County is the most popular destination for relocating families. Median home prices range from approximately $350,000 to $550,000 depending on the town. Moorestown commands the highest prices, with median values from $535,000 to $787,000. Medford and Mount Laurel fall in the middle, with median prices around $400,000 to $550,000. Towns like Cinnaminson, Lumberton, and Delran offer more affordable entry points, with median prices from $300,000 to $450,000.

Camden County offers a wider range of price points. Cherry Hill, the largest town, has median prices from $350,000 to $600,000. Haddonfield is the premium option, with median prices from $500,000 to $1 million+. Collingswood, Audubon, and Oaklyn offer more affordable options, with entry-level homes in the $250,000 to $400,000 range.

Gloucester County is generally more affordable than Burlington and Camden counties. Median home prices range from $300,000 to $450,000. Towns like Mullica Hill, Pitman, and Glassboro offer good schools and a lower cost of entry.

Mercer County (which includes Lawrenceville, Hamilton, and Robbinsville) offers median prices from $350,000 to $600,000, with access to NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor line for commuting to both New York and Philadelphia.

What Are Property Taxes in South Jersey?

New Jersey has the highest property taxes in the United States, and this is often the biggest adjustment for out-of-state buyers. Here is what you need to know:

• Effective tax rate: 2.4% to 2.8% of assessed value across Burlington County. This is significantly higher than the national average of approximately 1.0%.
• Average annual tax bill: In Moorestown, expect $12,000 to $16,000 per year. In Medford, $8,000 to $12,000. In Mount Laurel, $7,000 to $10,000. In Cinnaminson, $7,000 to $9,000. In Lumberton, $6,000 to $9,000.
• What you get for your taxes: Excellent public schools. Well-maintained roads, parks, and infrastructure. Responsive municipal services. Strong police and fire departments. The high taxes fund the quality of life that makes South Jersey so attractive.
• How to budget: When calculating your monthly housing cost, add your property tax bill divided by 12 to your mortgage payment. For a $450,000 home in Moorestown, expect approximately $1,000 to $1,300 per month in property taxes alone.

For a detailed comparison of property taxes across specific towns, see our guides for Moorestown, Medford, Marlton, and Cinnaminson.

How Much Are Utilities in South Jersey?

Utility costs in South Jersey are generally in line with national averages, though they can vary significantly depending on the age and size of your home:

• Electricity: PSE&G is the primary provider. The average monthly bill for a single-family home ranges from $100 to $200, depending on the season. Summer air conditioning and winter heating can push bills higher.
• Natural gas: PSE&G also provides natural gas. Average monthly bills range from $50 to $150, with higher costs in winter months. Older homes with less efficient heating systems will cost more.
• Water and sewer: Water bills vary by municipality. The average household pays $40 to $80 per month for water and sewer combined.
• Internet and cable: Comcast Xfinity and Verizon Fios are the primary providers. Internet-only plans start at $40 to $70 per month. Bundled packages with TV and phone run $100 to $200 per month.
• Total estimated utilities: For a typical single-family home, budget $200 to $400 per month for all utilities combined, with higher costs in extreme weather months.

What Are Transportation Costs in South Jersey?

Transportation costs depend heavily on where you work and how you commute:

• Gasoline: New Jersey gas prices are typically in line with national averages. The state has the lowest gas tax in the region, which helps keep prices competitive.
• Commuting by car: If you commute to Philadelphia, budget $150 to $300 per month for gas, tolls, and parking. Bridge tolls on the Tacony-Palmyra, Ben Franklin, and Walt Whitman bridges are $5.00 each way with E-ZPass.
• PATCO: A round-trip fare from Woodcrest to Center City Philadelphia is approximately $3.00. Monthly passes are available for frequent riders. Parking at PATCO stations is free at most lots.
• NJ Transit: Bus fares vary by route. The River LINE light rail costs $1.60 per ride. NJ Transit train fares from Trenton to Philadelphia are approximately $14.00 round trip.
• Car insurance: New Jersey has some of the highest car insurance rates in the country. The average annual premium is approximately $1,800 to $2,200, depending on your driving record and coverage level.
• Vehicle registration: Annual registration fees are approximately $50 to $100, depending on the vehicle.

What Are Food and Grocery Costs in South Jersey?

Grocery and dining costs in South Jersey are generally in line with national averages:

• Groceries: A typical family of four spends $600 to $1,000 per month on groceries. South Jersey has excellent supermarket options, including ShopRite, Wegmans, Whole Foods, Aldi, and ACME.
• Markets and local food: Farmers markets operate in most towns from spring through fall. The Burlington County Farmers Market in Mount Laurel and the Collingswood Farmers Market are excellent options.
• Dining out: South Jersey has a diverse and affordable dining scene. A casual dinner for four at a local restaurant runs $60 to $100. A nicer sit-down dinner runs $100 to $200. The BYOB culture is strong, which helps keep dining costs reasonable.

What Are Healthcare Costs in South Jersey?

South Jersey has excellent healthcare infrastructure. Here is what you can expect for costs:

• Health insurance: Premiums vary widely based on your employer, plan type, and coverage level. New Jersey's state-based marketplace, Get Covered NJ, offers options for individuals and families.
• Major hospitals: Virtua Health (multiple locations in Burlington and Camden Counties), Cooper University Health Care (Camden), Jefferson Health (Stratford, Cherry Hill), and Deborah Heart and Lung Center (Browns Mills) provide world-class care.
• Prescription drugs: Costs are generally in line with national averages. Pharmacy chains include CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, plus independent pharmacies in many towns.
• Dental and vision: Most towns have multiple dental and vision providers. Costs are comparable to national averages.

How Does South Jersey Compare to Other Regions?

Here is how South Jersey's cost of living compares to other regions buyers commonly consider:

• vs Philadelphia: Home prices are comparable for similar properties, but you get 60-80% more space in South Jersey. Property taxes are higher, but the city wage tax (3.75%) and private school costs (if applicable) can offset the difference. Read the full comparison.
• vs Northern New Jersey: South Jersey is significantly more affordable. Home prices in Bergen, Essex, and Morris counties are often 50-100% higher than comparable Burlington County towns. Property taxes are similar or higher in the north.
• vs New York City metro: South Jersey is dramatically more affordable. A $450,000 home in Burlington County would cost $800,000 to $1.2 million in the NYC suburbs. The trade-off is a longer commute to New York (about 90 minutes).
• vs the national average: South Jersey's cost of living is approximately 10-15% above the national average, driven primarily by higher housing costs and property taxes. Other expenses are generally in line with national averages.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Family in South Jersey

Here is a realistic monthly budget for a family of four living in a mid-range Burlington County town like Mount Laurel or Cinnaminson, assuming a $450,000 home purchase with 20% down and a 30-year mortgage at current rates:

• Mortgage (P&I): $1,800 to $2,200
• Property taxes: $800 to $1,200
• Homeowners insurance: $100 to $150
• Utilities (electric, gas, water, internet): $300 to $400
• Transportation (gas, car insurance, maintenance): $400 to $600
• Groceries: $700 to $1,000
• Healthcare: $300 to $600 (depending on insurance)
• Discretionary (dining, entertainment, shopping): $500 to $1,000
• Total monthly: $4,900 to $7,150

This is a general estimate. Your actual costs will vary based on your specific home, lifestyle, and spending habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Plan Your Move with Confidence

Understanding the cost of living is a critical part of any relocation decision. I have helped hundreds of families budget for their move to South Jersey, and I can help you too. Let me know what you are looking for, and I will give you an honest, data-driven picture of what it will cost to live in the towns that fit your needs.

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