An aerial view of the downtown area in Trenton, New Jersey's capital city.

Welcome to New Jersey! This Northeastern state is nicknamed the Garden State for a reason—according to the State of New Jersey, the state has almost 800,000 acres of farmland and is a leading producer of blueberries, cranberries, tomatoes, and bell peppers. With 127 miles of Atlantic Coastline and proximity to Philadelphia and New York City, New Jersey is a good middle ground for renters who want to dip their toes into Northeastern living.

But like many states in the Northeast, New Jersey can get pricey. To help narrow down your search, here are 10 cities where you can enjoy great communities and accessibility to major cities while keeping your rent within your budget.

The 10 cheapest cities in New Jersey in 2025 are:

  1. Camden
  2. Atlantic City
  3. Vineland
  4. Irvington
  5. Lindenwold
  6. Collingswood
  7. Paterson
  8. East Orange
  9. Trenton
  10. Passaic

Camden

An aerial view of Camden and the Ben Franklin Bridge leading to Philadelphia.

Camden sits just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia and is the most affordable city in New Jersey. With its revitalization efforts in recent years, Camden has become an increasingly attractive option for renters seeking affordable housing near job opportunities, cultural venues, and college campuses like Rutgers University—Camden.

Things to do in Camden

Residents in Camden have access to several entertainment and educational landmarks. Adventure Aquarium offers a family-friendly outing while the Wiggins Waterfront Park showcases breathtaking views of the Philadelphia skyline. Locals also enjoy catching concerts at Freedom Mortgage Pavilion, an amphitheater that has hosted big names like Jimmy Buffett, Pearl Jam, and Hozier. Nearby Cooper River Park provides a serene escape with trails for jogging, picnic spots, and rowing opportunities.

Transportation

Camden boasts excellent public transportation options, including the River LINE light rail, PATCO Speedline for trips into Philadelphia, and NJ Transit buses that connect to other parts of New Jersey. For drivers, major highways such as I-676 and US-30 provide easy commuting options.

Atlantic City

The Atlantic City boardwalk has a Ferris wheel and a sandy beach.

Atlantic City may be famous for its casinos and boardwalk, but it’s also a highly affordable place for New Jersey renters. Beyond the tourism industry, the city offers diverse housing options and a sense of community at its annual festivals. Its location along the Atlantic Ocean makes it a great choice for those seeking a coastal lifestyle without the high cost of living often associated with other beachside cities.

Things to do in Atlantic City

Atlantic City offers more for residents than its glitzy entertainment venues. Atlantic Avenue and the surrounding streets are filled with restaurants that reflect the city’s diverse culinary culture, and the Tanger Outlets on Baltic Avenue offer an extensive retail therapy experience. Atlantic City Beach is perfect for relaxing seaside, while bike trails and parks like Atlantic City Boardwalk give locals space for recreation and stunning sea views. Stockton University has a campus in Atlantic City, and university facilities like the Noyes Arts Garage are open to the public. Cultural highlights include the Noyes Arts Garage, which showcases local artists.

Do Atlantic City’s street names sound familiar? That’s probably because they were featured in the original U.S. version of the board game Monopoly.

Transportation

NJ Transit has buses and train lines that connect Atlantic City to the rest of New Jersey and to Philadelphia. Drivers have convenient access to the Atlantic City Expressway, Black Horse Pike, and US-30, making it easy to travel throughout the state. 

Vineland

An aerial view of Vineland's downtown area on Landis Avenue.

Head further inland to Vineland, a suburb in one of New Jersey’s largest municipalities by area. Known for its agricultural roots, this city provides a quiet but thriving community for renters who value space, greenery, and accessibility.

Things to do in Vineland

Locals love live music at the Landis Theatre, a beautifully restored venue in the heart of the city, and Delsea Drive-In Theatre shows all the newest blockbusters. Head south to explore Millville’s arts district or spend a day at Parvin State Park to the north. Local farmers markets and festivals showcase the area’s agricultural heritage.

Transportation

Vineland is a car-dependent suburb, but NJ Transit buses 313 and 553 run through the city. SR-55 and US-40 border Vineland on either side, ensuring residents don’t feel cut off from the rest of the state.

Irvington

An aerial view of Irvington shows a mix of single-family homes and large high-rise apartment buildings.

Just outside of Newark, Irvington offers some of the most competitively priced housing in the northern part of New Jersey. This township features Craftsman- and Tudor-style rental homes, quiet residential streets, and a great quality of life.

Things to do in Irvington

Irvington is a primarily residential area, but activities next door in Newark keep locals busy. See the newest exhibits at the Newark Museum of Art or visit the New Jersey Performing Arts Center for a live show. Annual events like the Cherry Blossom Festival and Lincoln Park Music Festival foster a strong community.

Transportation

While Irvington doesn’t offer extensive public transportation, Newark has two train stations that connect residents to New York City. With Garden State Parkway bisecting the city and I-78 to the south, drivers can easily access neighboring cities. Newark Liberty International Airport is also nearby, and the 37 and 107 buses will take residents straight from the Irvington Bus Terminal to the airport.

Lindenwold

A neighborhood in Lindenwold is surrounded by trees and the Philadelphia skyline is in the distance.

Lindenwold is a suburb southeast of Camden that residents love for its proximity to Philadelphia. Its distance from Camden gives the locals some breathing room without being cut off from major cities.

Things to do in Lindenwold

Lindenwold residents enjoy seasonal events at Lindenwold Memorial Park, and the Blueberry Hill trail provides a scenic getaway for hikers. While Lindenwold itself doesn’t offer many retail options, residents can explore many shopping and dining options in nearby Voorhees.

Transportation

With the PATCO Speedline beginning at Lindenwold Station, residents can get to Philadelphia in under 30 minutes. NJ Transit buses 403, 459, and 554 also service the area, and US-30 connects Lindenwold to other parts of the state.

Collingswood

Haddon Avenue in Collingswood houses most of the city's activity.

Just outside of Camden, Collingswood is a community-oriented city with budget-friendly rental options and a welcoming atmosphere. According to Niche.com, Collingswood has some of the best public schools in Camden County, making it a great place for everyone to live. Collingswood’s walkable streets and local businesses along Haddon Avenue give it a small-town feel, and renters have a variety of rental styles to choose from.

Things to do in Collingswood

Haddon Avenue serves as the heart of the town, featuring eclectic shops and locally owned restaurants, and Knight Park is Collingswood’s crown jewel. Regular events like the weekly farmers market on Atlantic Avenue and annual events like the Collingswood Book Festival bring the community together and highlight local businesses.

While a historically dry town, Collingswood began allowing breweries in 2015 following a 2012 state law that loosened alcohol manufacturing licenses to support the state’s agriculture industry. The city still prohibits the sale of alcohol outside of breweries, but 21+ residents can enjoy craft beer at Raccoon Taproom, and many events and restaurants in Collingswood are BYOB.

Transportation

The PATCO Speedline takes residents to Philly in 15 minutes, and bus routes 403, 450, and 451 circle the area. US-130 and US-30 nearby facilitate commutes to other cities.

Paterson

Main Street in Paterson has numerous locally owned restaurants and shops.

Paterson is a historic suburb north of Newark known for its role in the Industrial Revolution. The city is often referred to as “Silk City,” a nickname it earned in the 19th and 20th centuries as a leader in American silk production. Post-industrial Paterson has focused its efforts on revitalization, adding to its appeal for renters on a budget.

Things to do in Paterson

Residents take pride in Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park, a national park with a 77-foot waterfall that supported water-powered manufacturing in the 18th century. Visit the Paterson Museum to learn more about the city’s industrial history, see the newest exhibits, and attend free events and programs. Local eateries and farmers markets cater to residents looking for fresh food and unique flavors.

Transportation

Paterson provides easy access to NJ Transit’s Main-Bergen County trains, connecting to Hoboken and New York. An extensive network of NJ Transit buses serves local and regional destinations. Major roads like I-80 and Route 19 run through the city, making it convenient for drivers.

East Orange

Aerial view of Monte Irvin Orange Park and the city of East Orange with the Manhattan skyline in the distance.

East Orange offers affordable, comfortable living while keeping residents close to the economic opportunities of Newark and New York City. This culturally diverse community has become increasingly appealing to renters who value its historic charm and active neighborhood associations that bolster a sense of belonging.

Things to do in East Orange

Locals love Monte Irvin Orange Park, a county park named after MLB Hall of Famer Monte Irvin, who grew up in Orange. History and science lovers will enjoy the Thomas Edison National Historic Park, the inventor’s home and laboratory preserved as a museum. Larger entertainment venues and museums in nearby Newark provide additional activities for residents.

Transportation

East Orange is well-served by NJ Transit trains through the Morris & Essex Line trains, which take residents to Penn Station in New York in about 40 minutes. NJ Transit buses connect residents to surrounding cities, while nearby highways like I-280 and the Garden State Parkway connect drivers to other cities.

Trenton

A view of the New Jersey State House in Trenton from across the Delaware River in Philadelphia.

Trenton, New Jersey’s capital, makes urban living affordable. The city’s rich colonial history and modern development makes it a dynamic place to live, and its central location in the state makes it a practical choice.

Things to do in Trenton

Trenton residents enjoy cultural landmarks like the New Jersey State Museum and Planetarium. Baseball fans can catch a Minor League Baseball game at Arm & Hammer Park, home of the Trenton Thunder. South Riverwalk Park is a community gathering space, offering outdoor trails and stunning river views, and the Trenton Farmers Market gives residents a taste for local businesses. Princeton University is only a 20-minute drive away, allowing residents to enjoy the Ivy League school’s public events.

Transportation

Trenton is a transit hub, with access to the River LINE train, SEPTA Regional Rail, and the Amtrak Northeast Regional train providing quick travel to and from other major cities. Buses connect residents to nearby cities, and major highways like US-1 and US-206 facilitate drives.

Passaic

Main Avenue in Passaic is a wide street with lots of local businesses.

Passaic sits between Paterson and East Orange, about 10 miles north of Newark. Tucked along the Passaic River, this city claims the title of “the Birthplace of Television” for its role in the development of TV broadcasting. Today, residents enjoy residential streets and 20-minute drives to Newark.

Things to do in Passaic

Head to Third Ward Park to play pickup basketball on the public court or for a peaceful waterfront walk. Passaic County hosts frequent community events that encourage residents to support local businesses and artists. Passaic also has a great food scene, especially if you’re into Mexican cuisine. Locals love tamales at Mexico Restaurant and tacos at La Fortaleza, and bakeries along Monroe Street will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Transportation

Main-Bergen County trains provide easy access to New York City, while bus routes serve key locations across the region. Residents also benefit from Passaic’s location near major highways like Routes 3 and 21.

Make the Most of Your Move with Apartments.com

Whether you’re dropping in for a short-term lease or hoping to set down roots, Apartments.com has the tools to help you find an affordable apartment easily. Navigate housing across cities and neighborhoods with our customized search engine. Once you find the perfect location, narrow the search within a price range that works for you.

No matter the budget, the options are endless with Apartments.com. Ready to get started? Pay less, live more, and rent on.

Apartment rent data provided by CoStar Group's April 2025 reports. Keep up with our monthly Rent Reports for more detailed data on rent prices in each market.

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Chloe Savan

Hi! I'm Chloe, a content writer for Apartments.com. I've lived in three apartments in the past four years, so I know the ropes of renting. When I'm not at my desk writing, I can be found curled up on my couch with a craft in my hands or catching up with my friends over tacos!

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