City Report · NJ

Montclair

·40th most expensive in New Jersey·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,997/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.6%
Month-over-Month
-0.8%
vs US Median
+$1,035
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Montclair · $2,997
More expensive than 90% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
59/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Montclair's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,997/mo
Expected by trend
$3,142/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Montclair's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,980
1 BR
$2,260
2 BR
$2,730
3 BR
$3,440
4 BR+
$3,910
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,730/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,997 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$35,964/yr
At $2,997/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.6% YoY, -0.8% MoM), not inventory.
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2021 vs 2026

How Montclair, NJ has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,227 → $2,997
up 34.6%

Rent in Montclair, NJ has climbed 34.6% since 2021, going from about $2,227 per month to roughly $2,997 today. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Montclair, NJ reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Montclair on your salary?

At $2,997/mo, how Montclair rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Montclair rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Montclair

About renting in Montclair, NJ

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Montclair is $2,997/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,980/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,730/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,260/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,440/mo.

At 50% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Montclair ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Montclair an affordable city for renters?

Montclair is considered stretched for renters. At $2,997/mo, rent takes approximately 50% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Montclair significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Montclair?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $120,000/year (~$58/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,997/mo in Montclair.

Is rent going up or down in Montclair?

Rent in Montclair has increased 2.6% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

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

Montclair is one of the pricier cities in New Jersey for rent, ranking #40 out of 183 tracked cities at $2,997/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Montclair?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Montclair ($2,997/mo): Orange ($1,991/mo), East Orange ($2,008/mo), Belleville ($2,328/mo).

How does Montclair rent compare to the national average?

Montclair's median rent of $2,997/mo is $1,035 (53%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within New Jersey, it ranks #40 out of 183 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
50%
STRETCHED

At $2,997/mo, rent takes ~50% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Montclair 50%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
Run the Montclair affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Montclair
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Montclair, NJ

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