Median rent is 35% lower in Camden ($1,157/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Camden, where the median home runs $100,400 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $40,450 a year). Taken together, Camden is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.7 against 113.0 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Camden is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 100.7 in Camden vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Camden, NJ
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Camden, NJ?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$84,118
You'd need $9,118 more (12% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Camden
New Jersey
New York
New York
👥Population
Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Camden — median rent of $1,157/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 35% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $100,400 in Camden — 87% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% versus 10.90% in New York, so Camden is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.63% in New Jersey and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Camden
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.63%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Camden.
Pick Camden if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 100.7 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Camden if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,157/mo median).
Pick Camden if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.75%).
Is Camden cheaper than New York?
Camden is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.7 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Camden.
How much is rent in Camden vs New York?
Median rent is $1,157/mo in Camden, NJ and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Camden, NJ has the lower rent by about 35%.
Which has higher salaries — Camden or New York?
Median household income is $40,450 in Camden, NJ and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Camden or New York?
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% and New York's is 10.90%. Camden, NJ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Camden income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Camden, NJ is equivalent to roughly $112,157 in New York, NY (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology