Camden, NJ vs. Cherry Hill, NJ: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
In 2025, the median home price in Camden is nearly $120,000 less than in neighboring Cherry Hill — a gap that has widened in recent years. For those weighing a move between these two South Jersey suburbs, cost of living is often the deciding factor.
Camden and Cherry Hill, both located in the Philadelphia metro area, offer distinct lifestyle tradeoffs. Camden provides more affordable housing options and an urban-influenced vibe, while Cherry Hill is known for its strong schools, ample green space, and family-friendly neighborhoods. But which city will stretch your budget further in 2025?
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve analyzed the latest cost of living data for Camden and Cherry Hill across key categories like housing, utilities, groceries, and taxes. Whether you’re a young professional seeking an accessible apartment or a growing family in need of more space, here’s how the numbers compare.
Housing Costs: Camden Offers Significant Savings
The most striking cost difference between Camden and Cherry Hill lies in housing expenses. As of 2025, the median home price in Camden is $185,000, while Cherry Hill’s median stands at $305,000. That’s a gap of $120,000, or nearly 40% less in Camden.
For renters, the savings are also substantial. A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Camden runs around $1,100 per month, compared to $1,500 in Cherry Hill. Larger rental homes, like 3-bedroom units, average $1,400 monthly in Camden versus $1,900 in Cherry Hill.
| Housing Type | Camden | Cherry Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $185,000 | $305,000 |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,100 | $1,500 |
| 3BR Home Rent | $1,400 | $1,900 |
For young professionals or small families, Camden’s lower housing costs can translate to hundreds of dollars in monthly savings compared to Cherry Hill. However, Cherry Hill does offer a larger supply of move-in ready homes, while Camden’s housing stock tends to be older, with some neighborhoods still in the process of revitalization.
Winner: Camden. The sizable difference in home prices and rents makes Camden the clear choice for budget-conscious households, even with Cherry Hill’s newer housing options.
Utilities and Energy Costs: Slight Edge to Camden
Utility costs don’t vary drastically between Camden and Cherry Hill, as both cities are serviced by the same regional providers. However, Camden residents often report slightly lower monthly bills, due in part to the city’s higher proportion of apartments and smaller homes.
In a typical 2-bedroom apartment, combined utility costs (electricity, gas, water, and trash) average around $200 per month in Camden. For a similar unit in Cherry Hill, costs are closer to $225 monthly. Seasonal spikes can affect both cities, with summer air conditioning and winter heating adding $50-$75 to monthly totals.
Larger households in 3+ bedroom homes may see monthly utility bills reach $275 in Camden and $300 in Cherry Hill. Older houses in both cities are prone to higher heating and cooling costs compared to newer construction with better insulation and energy-efficient features.
Winner: Camden, but it’s close. The typical Camden household saves around $25 per month on utilities compared to Cherry Hill — enough to add up over time, but not a huge gap.
Groceries and Daily Expenses: Cherry Hill’s Variety at a Price
Both Camden and Cherry Hill provide a mix of grocery options, from major chains to local markets. However, Cherry Hill is known for its wider variety of specialty stores and organic offerings, which often come with higher price tags.
For everyday staples like milk, bread, eggs and produce, prices are generally 10-15% lower in Camden. A gallon of milk averages $3.50 in Camden compared to $4 in Cherry Hill, while a loaf of bread is around $2.50 versus $3.
Dining out is also more affordable in Camden, with a typical fast-casual meal running about $12, compared to $15 in Cherry Hill. At higher-end restaurants, the gap widens, with entrees averaging $25 in Camden and $35 in Cherry Hill.
Winner: Camden. For most households, Camden’s lower food prices on staples and casual dining add up to noticeable monthly savings. However, Cherry Hill does offer more upscale grocery and restaurant options for those willing to spend extra.
Taxes and Fees: Camden’s (Relatively) Lower Burden
While both cities are subject to New Jersey’s famously high property taxes, Camden’s rates are comparatively lower. The average effective property tax rate in Camden is 3.3%, compared to 3.7% in Cherry Hill.
For a $200,000 home, that means an annual property tax bill of around $6,600 in Camden versus $7,400 in Cherry Hill. Over the course of a 30-year mortgage, that difference adds up to $24,000 in extra taxes for the Cherry Hill homeowner.
Both cities charge a 6.625% sales tax on most goods and services, in line with the state rate. However, Camden residents catch a break on some municipal fees, like the annual $200 trash collection fee that Cherry Hill households pay.
Winner: Camden. While neither city is a tax haven, Camden’s lower property tax rates and municipal fees give it the edge over Cherry Hill, especially for homeowners.
Cost of Living Summary: Camden vs Cherry Hill (2025)
| Category | Camden | Cherry Hill |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Home)* | $1,400 | $1,900 |
| Utilities | $275 | $300 |
| Groceries | $500 | $600 |
| Transportation | $100 | $125 |
| Taxes (Property & Sales) | $550 | $617 |
| Misc. | $250 | $300 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,075 | $3,842 |
*Housing costs reflect typical rent for a 3-bedroom home. Homeowners can substitute their mortgage payment. Estimates reflect 2025 costs for a mid-size household using published data and regional benchmarks. Actual expenses will vary with household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood.
Based on the estimated monthly totals, a typical household can expect to spend around $3,075 per month living in Camden, compared to $3,842 per month in Cherry Hill. That’s a difference of $767 per month, or $9,200 per year. For homeowners, the gap is even wider when factoring in Cherry Hill’s higher median home prices and property taxes.
Lifestyle Fit: Urban Convenience vs Suburban Comfort
While cost is a major consideration, it’s also important to weigh lifestyle factors when choosing between Camden and Cherry Hill. Camden offers a more urban-influenced environment, with a denser downtown core, walkable neighborhoods, and easy access to Philadelphia via the PATCO Speedline. For young professionals or those who prefer a city feel, Camden may be the better fit.
Cherry Hill, on the other hand, exudes a classic suburban vibe, with tree-lined streets, spacious parks, and a family-oriented community. The city is known for its top-rated schools, ample recreation options, and convenient shopping centers. For families seeking more space and amenities, Cherry Hill often wins out.
That said, both cities offer relatively easy commutes to major employment centers like Philadelphia, with average one-way travel times of 30-40 minutes. And while Cherry Hill may have the edge on green space, Camden’s ongoing revitalization efforts are bringing new parks, trails, and community gardens to the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camden more affordable than Cherry Hill in 2025?
Yes, Camden remains significantly more affordable than Cherry Hill in 2025, particularly when it comes to housing costs. The median home price in Camden is nearly $120,000 lower than in Cherry Hill, and renters can save $400 or more per month on a typical apartment.
How do grocery costs compare between Camden and Cherry Hill?
Grocery prices are generally 10-15% lower in Camden compared to Cherry Hill, especially for everyday staples like milk, bread, and produce. However, Cherry Hill does offer a wider variety of specialty and organic grocery options, which often come with higher price tags.
Are property taxes higher in Cherry Hill than in Camden?
Yes, Cherry Hill homeowners pay higher property taxes on average than those in Camden. The effective property tax rate in Cherry Hill is 3.7%, compared to 3.3% in Camden. For a $200,000 home, that equates to an extra $800 per year in taxes for the Cherry Hill owner.
What is the average monthly cost of living for a family of four in Camden vs. Cherry Hill?
Based on our analysis, a family of four can expect to spend around $3,500 per month on housing, utilities, groceries, and other essentials in Camden. In Cherry Hill, that same family would likely spend closer to $4,500 per month. However, actual costs will depend on factors like housing type, neighborhood, and lifestyle preferences.
How much could renters save by choosing Camden over Cherry Hill in 2025?
Renters can save a significant amount by choosing Camden over Cherry Hill. A typical 2-bedroom apartment in Camden costs around $1,100 per month, compared to $1,500 in Cherry Hill — a difference of $400 monthly. For larger rentals, like 3-bedroom homes, the savings can reach $500 or more per month.
Conclusion: Camden Offers More Bang for Your Buck
For most households, Camden offers a significantly lower cost of living than Cherry Hill, with potential savings of $700 or more per month. The biggest difference lies in housing costs, where Camden’s median home prices and rents are much more affordable. Taxes and daily expenses also tend to be lower in Camden.
However, Cherry Hill remains appealing for families who prioritize top-notch schools, ample green space, and a more tranquil suburban lifestyle. Ultimately, the choice depends on your household budget, location needs, and personal preferences.
Whether you’re budgeting for monthly expenses or comparing overall living costs, Camden offers a compelling value proposition in South Jersey. And if a move is in your future, be sure to weigh the pros and cons of moving trucks vs pods to find the most cost-effective option. With careful planning and realistic expectations, you can find the perfect affordable home base in Camden or Cherry Hill.