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City Report · NJ

Union City

Pop. 66,463·122nd most expensive in New Jersey·Rental market data updated monthly for Union City, NJ
Median rent (all units)
$2,421/mo
Year-over-Year
+0.9%
Month-over-Month
+2.5%
vs US Median
+$456
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Union City · $2,421
More expensive than 77% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
44/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% above what Union City's 10-year trend predicts — running hotter than its own history.

Actual rent
$2,421/mo
Expected by trend
$2,349/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Union City's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,800
1 BR
$1,830
2 BR
$2,070
3 BR
$2,570
4 BR+
$2,870
Research median
$2,070/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
$29,052/yr
At $2,421/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (0.9% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.9% YoY, +2.5% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Union City, NJ is majority renter-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 28.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
66,463
Median income
$64,310
Median age
37.4
Renters
80.9%
Age distribution
22%
24.2%
29.8%
12.6%
Under 1822%
18–3424.2%
35–5429.8%
55–6411.4%
65+12.6%
Gender
49%
51%
Male49%
Female51%
Race & ethnicity
19.3%
81.8%
White19.3%
Black4.7%
Hispanic81.8%
Asian3.7%
Education (25+)
22.9%
32.4%
16.3%
28.3%
No HS diploma22.9%
HS diploma32.4%
Some college16.3%
Bachelor's+28.3%
Housing tenure
19.1%
80.9%
Owner19.1%
Renter80.9%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Union City, NJ has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,821 → $2,421
up 32.9%
Income
$53,177 → $64,310
up 20.9%
Population
67,903 → 66,463
down 2.1%
Renter share
81% → 80.9%
-0.1 pts
Bachelor's+
23.6% → 28.3%
+4.7 pts
Median age
36.7 → 37.4
+0.7 yrs

Five years ago, renters in Union City, NJ paid around $1,821 a month. That figure now sits near $2,421, up 32.9% from the 2021 baseline. Census figures show median household income at $64,310 today, compared with $53,177 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Union City, NJ losing about 1,440 residents over the five-year window, down 2.1% on net. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 23.6% to 28.3% across the same window. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

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View Union City rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Union City on your salary?

At $2,421/mo, how Union City rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Union City rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Union City

About renting in Union City, NJ

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Union City is $2,421/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,800/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,070/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,830/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,570/mo.

At 45% of local median household income ($64,310/yr), Union City ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Union City an affordable city for renters?

Union City is considered stretched for renters. At $2,421/mo, rent takes approximately 45% of the local median household income ($64,310/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Union City significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Union City?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $97,000/year (~$47/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,421/mo in Union City. The local median household income is $64,310/yr, meaning the typical Union City household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Union City?

Rent in Union City has increased 0.9% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Union City rent compare to other cities in New Jersey?

Union City is one of the more affordable cities in New Jersey for rent, ranking #122 out of 180 tracked cities at $2,421/mo.

What percentage of Union City residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 80.9% of Union City households are renters, while 19.1% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Union City has a strong rental market.

How does Union City rent compare to the national average?

Union City's median rent of $2,421/mo is $456 (23%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New Jersey, it ranks #122 out of 180 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
45%
STRETCHED

At $2,421/mo, rent takes ~45% of Union City's median household income ($64,310/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Union City 45%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
Run the Union City affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Union City, NJ

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