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City Report · NJ

Metuchen

Pop. 15,144·54th most expensive in New Jersey·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,894/mo
Year-over-Year
-2.4%
Month-over-Month
-1.6%
vs US Median
+$929
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Metuchen · $2,894
More expensive than 89% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Affordability
22% of income
VERY AFFORDABLE
0%30% benchmark60%+

At $2,894/mo, rent takes about 22% of the local median household income, comfortably within the 30% benchmark.

Income to afford
$116,000/yr
Local median income
$158,052/yr
Based on the 30%-of-income rule using Metuchen's median rent and household income. See the full affordability breakdown →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,790
1 BR
$2,010
2 BR
$2,530
3 BR
$3,050
4 BR+
$3,350
Research median
$2,530/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$34,728/yr
At $2,894/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 2.4% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-2.4% YoY, -1.6% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Metuchen, NJ is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income above the national average, 67.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
15,144
Median income
$158,052
Median age
39.1
Renters
25.4%
Age distribution
27.1%
15.7%
30.6%
14.9%
Under 1827.1%
18–3415.7%
35–5430.6%
55–6411.8%
65+14.9%
Gender
48.1%
51.9%
Male48.1%
Female51.9%
Race & ethnicity
60.8%
17.9%
White60.8%
Black5%
Hispanic8.4%
Asian17.9%
Other7.9%
Education (25+)
18.7%
67.1%
No HS diploma3.1%
HS diploma11.1%
Some college18.7%
Bachelor's+67.1%
Housing tenure
74.6%
25.4%
Owner74.6%
Renter25.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Metuchen, NJ has changed in 5 years

Income
$141,915 → $158,052
up 11.4%
Population
14,883 → 15,144
up 1.8%
Renter share
25.2% → 25.4%
+0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
64% → 67.1%
+3.1 pts

Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $141,915 in 2021 to $158,052 more recently. Headcount in the area went from 14,883 to 15,144 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.8% change. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 64% to 67.1%.

Community

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View Metuchen rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Metuchen on your salary?

At $2,894/mo, how Metuchen rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Metuchen rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Metuchen. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Metuchen

About renting in Metuchen, NJ

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Metuchen is $2,894/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,790/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,530/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,010/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,050/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($158,052/yr), Metuchen ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 2.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Metuchen an affordable city for renters?

Metuchen is considered very affordable for renters. At $2,894/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($158,052/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Metuchen falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Metuchen?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $116,000/year (~$56/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,894/mo in Metuchen. The local median household income is $158,052/yr, meaning the typical Metuchen household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Metuchen?

Rent in Metuchen has decreased 2.4% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Metuchen rent compare to other cities in New Jersey?

Metuchen is one of the pricier cities in New Jersey for rent, ranking #54 out of 180 tracked cities at $2,894/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Metuchen?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Metuchen ($2,894/mo): Highland Park ($2,440/mo), Woodbridge ($2,618/mo), South Plainfield ($2,805/mo).

What percentage of Metuchen residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 25.4% of Metuchen households are renters, while 74.6% are owner-occupied. Metuchen leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Metuchen rent compare to the national average?

Metuchen's median rent of $2,894/mo is $929 (47%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New Jersey, it ranks #54 out of 180 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $2,894/mo, rent takes ~22% of Metuchen's median household income ($158,052/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Metuchen 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
Run the Metuchen affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Metuchen, NJ

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