Skyline of Trenton
Cost of Living: 100 84,000

Trenton, NJ, US

New Jersey's capital with the State House, the Trenton Thunder, and the Delaware River.

Updated August 11, 2026
Cost of Living 100

Below Average vs US Avg (100)

Housing Index 105

Above Average

Median Income $50,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.0%

Job market health

Trenton vs US Average

Cost of Living
Trenton: 100
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Trenton: 105
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Trenton: 5.5%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.5%
  • Sales Tax: 6.6%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $50,000
  • Unemployment: 5.0%
  • Population: 84,000

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 205/year
  • Summer High: 85°F
  • Winter Low: 26°F
  • Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b

Housing

  • Median Home: $220,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1200/mo

Cost of Living

Trenton's cost of living index is 100 (US average = 100).

CategoryTrentonNational AverageDifference
Overall1001000.0%
Housing105100+5.0%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$220,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1200/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,500/mo
Price per Sq Ft$146

Data source: Zillow Research, 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

$
%
$90,000 down
%
%
$

Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Trenton:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$147Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating & Cooling$71Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Cooling (AC)N/AEstimated based on local climate and electricity rates
Water$75Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$80Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$373Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Remote Work Score

Trenton scores —/100 for remote work readiness:

Cost of Living
100
Rent
$1200
Sunny Days
205
Tax
5.5%
Unemployment
5.0%
Climate
85°F / 26°F
Safety
5.8 homicides/100k
Population
84,000
Internet Speed
200 Mbps

Climate

Trenton has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January46°F26°F2.5"
April70°F41°F2.8"
July85°F60°F1.5"
October65°F44°F2.2"
USDA Zone 5b

Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees

Natural Hazards

Trenton faces the following natural hazards:

Flood High Risk

Coastal and river flooding.

Blizzard High Risk

Severe winter storms.

Hurricane Moderate Risk

Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.

Tornado Moderate Risk

Tornado risk.

Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 5.5%
  • Sales Tax: 6.6%
  • Property Tax: ~2.49% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.0%.

Schools & Education

43/100
School Quality Score
Better than 24% of US cities
?
37
Total Schools
11.4:1
Student:Teacher
94.5%
Free/Reduced Lunch

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Trenton, NJ, US?

The cost of living index in Trenton is 100, which is Lower the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Trenton?

The median home price in Trenton is $220,000. The housing index is 105.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Trenton is approximately $1200/mo.

Does Trenton, NJ have income tax?

Trenton is in NJ, which has an income tax rate of 5.5%.

What is the climate like in Trenton?

Trenton enjoys approximately 205 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 85°F, while winter lows can drop to around 26°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
  • Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.