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City Report · NJ

Newark

Pop. 310,178·146th most expensive in New Jersey·Rental market data updated monthly for Newark, NJ
Median rent (all units)
$2,130/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.5%
Month-over-Month
-0.1%
vs US Median
+$165
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Newark · $2,130
More expensive than 66% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
64/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what Newark's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,130/mo
Expected by trend
$2,294/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Newark's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,310
1 BR
$1,498
2 BR
$1,809
3 BR
$2,280
4 BR+
$2,599
Research median
$1,809/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
$25,560/yr
At $2,130/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 (-0.5% YoY, -0.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Newark, NJ is majority renter-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 19.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
310,178
Median income
$52,060
Median age
34.7
Renters
75.6%
Age distribution
24.8%
25.7%
27.4%
Under 1824.8%
18–3425.7%
35–5427.4%
55–6411.4%
65+10.8%
Gender
49.3%
50.7%
Male49.3%
Female50.7%
Race & ethnicity
12.6%
45.7%
37.6%
White12.6%
Black45.7%
Hispanic37.6%
Asian2%
Other2.2%
Education (25+)
21.7%
37.1%
21.4%
19.7%
No HS diploma21.7%
HS diploma37.1%
Some college21.4%
Bachelor's+19.7%
Housing tenure
24.4%
75.6%
Owner24.4%
Renter75.6%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Newark, NJ has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,553 → $2,130
up 37.2%
Income
$41,335 → $52,060
up 25.9%
Population
306,247 → 310,178
up 1.3%
Renter share
76.8% → 75.6%
-1.2 pts
Bachelor's+
16% → 19.7%
+3.7 pts

Since 2021, the typical rent in Newark, NJ has increased from $1,553 to $2,130, a 37.2% change over five years. Census figures show median household income at $52,060 today, compared with $41,335 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has grown by 1.3% since 2021, moving from about 306,247 residents to roughly 310,178. College-educated residents now make up 19.7% of adults here, versus 16% in 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Newark

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

Can you afford rent in Newark on your salary?

At $2,130/mo, how Newark rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Newark rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Newark

About renting in Newark, NJ

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Newark is $2,130/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,310/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,809/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,498/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,280/mo.

At 49% of local median household income ($52,060/yr), Newark ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.5% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Newark an affordable city for renters?

Newark is considered stretched for renters. At $2,130/mo, rent takes approximately 49% of the local median household income ($52,060/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Newark significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Newark?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $85,000/year (~$41/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,130/mo in Newark. The local median household income is $52,060/yr, meaning the typical Newark household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Newark?

Rent in Newark has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.5% change year over year as of July 2026.

Which Newark neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Newark are 07104 ($1,868/mo), 07107 ($1,994/mo), and 07106 ($2,029/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Newark is $2,130/mo.

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

Newark is one of the more affordable cities in New Jersey for rent, ranking #146 out of 180 tracked cities at $2,130/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Newark?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Newark ($2,130/mo): Orange ($1,912/mo), Irvington ($2,038/mo), East Orange ($2,068/mo).

What percentage of Newark residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 75.6% of Newark households are renters, while 24.4% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Newark has a strong rental market.

How does Newark rent compare to the national average?

Newark's median rent of $2,130/mo is $165 (8%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New Jersey, it ranks #146 out of 180 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
49%
STRETCHED

At $2,130/mo, rent takes ~49% of Newark's median household income ($52,060/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Newark 49%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
Run the Newark affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Newark, NJ

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