New Jersey Ranks 6th-Least Affordable for 2026 Retirees as Rents Hit $1,554
Updated
Updated · Asbury Park Press · Jun 7
New Jersey Ranks 6th-Least Affordable for 2026 Retirees as Rents Hit $1,554
1 articles · Updated · Asbury Park Press · Jun 7
Summary
New Jersey placed sixth from the bottom in Retirement Living.com’s 2026 retiree-affordability ranking, underscoring how hard fixed incomes can stretch in the state.
The ranking reflects steep core costs: median one-bedroom rent of $1,554 a month, median home sale price of $527,000, groceries at $226 a month, gas at $4.52 a gallon and a 1.88% property-tax rate.
Retirement Living said it compared housing, everyday living expenses and tax friendliness nationwide as inflation keeps pressuring retirees, pushing some to downsize or move to cheaper states.
California ranked least affordable for a second straight year, while West Virginia was most affordable with the nation’s lowest one-bedroom rent at $643; Mississippi and Alabama followed, and Nevada led on tax friendliness.