# New Jersey cost of living and income requirements

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-jersey-cost-of-living-and-income-requirements
> Updated: 2026-09-03T10:00:00.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Estimates regarding the cost of living in New Jersey indicate that a single resident requires approximately $113,000 annually to live a comfortable lifestyle, while $54,000 is estimated to cover only basic necessities. Geographic location within the state, such as North Jersey near New York City, significantly influences these costs.

Broader economic data shows that New Jersey ranks second in the United States for the income required to qualify as middle class, following only Massachusetts. Under Pew Research Center criteria, a household in the state must earn at least $69,529 annually to be considered middle class, while the upper-middle-class bracket requires an annual household income between $162,235 and $208,588.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-03: Economic disparities highlight rising costs for middle class and poverty levels

Economic data highlights growing disparities, noting that New Jersey households need at least $69,529 to be considered middle class, while millions in the US struggle to afford basic necessities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/economic-disparities-highlight-rising-costs-for-middle-class-and-poverty-levels

### 2026-08-28: New Jersey cost of living requires $113,000 for single residents

Reports indicate that single residents in New Jersey need an annual income of $113,000 to live comfortably, while $54,000 covers basic necessities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-jersey-cost-of-living-requires-113000-for-single-residents

---
Cite as: New Jersey cost of living and income requirements. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-jersey-cost-of-living-and-income-requirements