City Report · NJ

Toms River

Pop. 94,956·43rd most expensive in New Jersey·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,978/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.6%
Month-over-Month
+6.5%
vs US Median
+$1,016
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Toms River · $2,978
More expensive than 90% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
55/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 2% below what Toms River's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,978/mo
Expected by trend
$3,051/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Toms River's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,400
1 BR
$1,570
2 BR
$1,937
3 BR
$2,580
4 BR+
$2,870
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,937/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,978 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
$35,736/yr
At $2,978/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 2.6% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.6% YoY, +6.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Toms River, NJ is majority owner-occupied, has a median income above the national average, 36.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
94,956
Median income
$100,137
Median age
41.4
Renters
18.1%
Age distribution
22.3%
19.7%
24.7%
13.3%
20%
Under 1822.3%
18–3419.7%
35–5424.7%
55–6413.3%
65+20%
Gender
48.1%
51.9%
Male48.1%
Female51.9%
Race & ethnicity
78%
12.4%
White78%
Black5.1%
Hispanic12.4%
Asian4%
Other0.6%
Education (25+)
30.9%
25.6%
36.4%
No HS diploma7%
HS diploma30.9%
Some college25.6%
Bachelor's+36.4%
Housing tenure
81.9%
18.1%
Owner81.9%
Renter18.1%

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

2022 vs 2026

How Toms River, NJ has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,276 → $2,978
up 30.8%
Income
$85,752 → $100,137
up 16.8%
Population
91,798 → 94,956
up 3.4%
Renter share
19.8% → 18.1%
-1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
33.8% → 36.4%
+2.6 pts
Median age
42.7 → 41.4
-1.3 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Toms River, NJ has shifted from $2,276 to $2,978, up 30.8% since 2022. Census figures show median household income at $100,137 today, compared with $85,752 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Toms River, NJ adding about 3,158 residents over the five-year window, up 3.4% on net. The renter share has eased from 19.8% to 18.1%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 33.8% to 36.4% across the same window. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2022.

Community

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Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Toms River on your salary?

At $2,978/mo, how Toms River rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Toms River rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Toms River

About renting in Toms River, NJ

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Toms River is $2,978/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,400/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,937/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,570/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,580/mo.

At 36% of local median household income ($100,137/yr), Toms River ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Toms River an affordable city for renters?

Toms River is considered moderate for renters. At $2,978/mo, rent takes approximately 36% of the local median household income ($100,137/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Toms River slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Toms River?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $119,000/year (~$57/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,978/mo in Toms River. The local median household income is $100,137/yr, meaning the typical Toms River household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Toms River?

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

Which Toms River neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Toms River are 08753 ($2,759/mo), 08757 ($2,854/mo), and 08755 ($3,384/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Toms River is $2,978/mo.

How does Toms River rent compare to other cities in New Jersey?

Toms River is one of the pricier cities in New Jersey for rent, ranking #43 out of 183 tracked cities at $2,978/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Toms River?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Toms River ($2,978/mo): Lavallette ($2,000/mo), Lakewood ($2,137/mo), Seaside Heights ($2,375/mo).

What percentage of Toms River residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 18.1% of Toms River households are renters, while 81.9% are owner-occupied. Toms River leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Toms River rent compare to the national average?

Toms River's median rent of $2,978/mo is $1,016 (52%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within New Jersey, it ranks #43 out of 183 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
36%
MODERATE

At $2,978/mo, rent takes ~36% of Toms River's median household income ($100,137/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Toms River 36%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
Run the Toms River affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Toms River, NJ

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