City Report · NJ

Plainsboro

·151st most expensive in New Jersey·Rental market data updated monthly for Plainsboro, NJ
Median rent (all units)
$2,097/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.3%
Month-over-Month
-1.3%
vs US Median
+$132
Falling (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Plainsboro rents
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Plainsboro · $2,097
More expensive than 64% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
81/100
Great value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 16% below what Plainsboro's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,097/mo
Expected by trend
$2,484/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Plainsboro's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,610
1 BR
$1,810
2 BR
$2,270
3 BR
$2,740
4 BR+
$3,010
Research median
$2,270/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$25,164/yr
At $2,097/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 0.3% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-0.3% YoY, -1.3% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

2021 vs 2026

How Plainsboro, NJ has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,651 → $2,097
up 27.0%

The median rent in Plainsboro, NJ stood at $1,651 in 2021 and currently runs about $2,097, reflecting a 27.0% increase over the period. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Plainsboro, NJ look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

Discussions about Plainsboro

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

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

Can you afford rent in Plainsboro on your salary?

At $2,097/mo, how Plainsboro rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Plainsboro rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Plainsboro

About renting in Plainsboro, NJ

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Plainsboro is $2,097/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,610/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,270/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,810/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,740/mo.

At 35% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Plainsboro ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Plainsboro an affordable city for renters?

Plainsboro is considered moderate for renters. At $2,097/mo, rent takes approximately 35% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Plainsboro slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Plainsboro?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $84,000/year (~$40/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,097/mo in Plainsboro.

Is rent going up or down in Plainsboro?

Rent in Plainsboro has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.3% change year over year as of July 2026.

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

Plainsboro is one of the more affordable cities in New Jersey for rent, ranking #151 out of 180 tracked cities at $2,097/mo.

How does Plainsboro rent compare to the national average?

Plainsboro's median rent of $2,097/mo is $132 (7%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New Jersey, it ranks #151 out of 180 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
35%
MODERATE

At $2,097/mo, rent takes ~35% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Plainsboro 35%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
Run the Plainsboro affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Plainsboro
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Plainsboro, NJ

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Plainsboro.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.