City Report · NJ

West Orange

·56th most expensive in New Jersey·One of the pricier rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$2,877/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.9%
Month-over-Month
+9.6%
vs US Median
+$915
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
West Orange · $2,877
More expensive than 88% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
61/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 6% below what West Orange's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$2,877/mo
Expected by trend
$3,045/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where West Orange's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,830
1 BR
$2,080
2 BR
$2,520
3 BR
$3,170
4 BR+
$3,610
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$2,520/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $2,877 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
$34,524/yr
At $2,877/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 2.9% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.9% YoY, +9.6% MoM), not inventory.
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2022 vs 2026

How West Orange, NJ has changed in 5 years

Rent
$2,360 → $2,877
up 21.9%

The median rent in West Orange, NJ stood at $2,360 in 2022 and currently runs about $2,877, reflecting a 21.9% increase over the period. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the West Orange, NJ market of 2022.

Community

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View West Orange rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in West Orange on your salary?

At $2,877/mo, how West Orange rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

West Orange rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in West Orange

About renting in West Orange, NJ

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in West Orange is $2,877/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,830/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $2,520/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $2,080/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $3,170/mo.

At 48% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), West Orange ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is West Orange an affordable city for renters?

West Orange is considered stretched for renters. At $2,877/mo, rent takes approximately 48% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. West Orange significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in West Orange?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $115,000/year (~$55/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,877/mo in West Orange.

Is rent going up or down in West Orange?

Rent in West Orange has increased 2.9% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does West Orange rent compare to other cities in New Jersey?

West Orange is one of the pricier cities in New Jersey for rent, ranking #56 out of 183 tracked cities at $2,877/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than West Orange?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than West Orange ($2,877/mo): Orange ($1,991/mo), Maplewood ($2,799/mo).

How does West Orange rent compare to the national average?

West Orange's median rent of $2,877/mo is $915 (47%) above the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within New Jersey, it ranks #56 out of 183 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
48%
STRETCHED

At $2,877/mo, rent takes ~48% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

West Orange 48%Benchmark 30%
State income tax1.4–10.75%
Run the West Orange affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in West Orange
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near West Orange, NJ

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