Median rent is 28% lower in Camden ($1,226/mo vs $1,702/mo). Buying is cheaper in Camden, where the median home runs $112,000 versus $462,400. Households earn more in Vancouver ($81,338 vs $40,546 a year). Taken together, Vancouver is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 101.5 against 102.4 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Vancouver, WA.
Quick verdict
Vancouver is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 101.5 in Vancouver vs 102.4 in Camden (US average = 100)
City A
Camden, NJ
City B
Vancouver, WA
How much would you need to earn in Vancouver, WA to maintain your standard of living from Camden, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Vancouver, WA
$74,376
You could earn $624 less (1% lower) and break even.
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
Vancouver
Washington
👥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 $1,226/mo versus $1,702/mo in Vancouver, a 28% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Vancouver: the median home is $462,400 versus $112,000 in Camden — 76% more expensive.
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Camden
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Vancouver
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Vancouver (avg AQI 44.0) but not yet for Camden.
Pick Vancouver if you prioritize higher median household income ($81,338/yr).
Pick Camden if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,226/mo median).
Is Camden cheaper than Vancouver?
Vancouver is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 101.5 versus 102.4 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Vancouver.
How much is rent in Camden vs Vancouver?
Median rent is $1,226/mo in Camden, NJ and $1,702/mo in Vancouver, WA. Camden, NJ has the lower rent by about 28%.
Which has higher salaries — Camden or Vancouver?
Median household income is $40,546 in Camden, NJ and $81,338 in Vancouver, WA. Vancouver, WA 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 Vancouver?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Vancouver to match my Camden income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Camden, NJ is equivalent to roughly $99,168 in Vancouver, WA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
