Cost of Living in Atlantic City, NJ

With a cost of living index of 83, Atlantic City, NJ is a very affordable place to live. Living here is 17% cheaper than the national average and 45% below the New Jersey state average of 128. With a population of 38,486, Atlantic City is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Atlantic City's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,084 (18% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $189,600 (38% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5.2x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Atlantic City is $36,220, which is 52% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 36% of household income on rent. This exceeds the recommended 30% threshold, meaning many renters here are cost-burdened. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Everyday prices in the Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.