Camden is considered relatively affordable in 2025, with average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,400 and overall costs slightly below the national average.
Living in Camden, NJ in 2025 costs around $2,800 per month for a single adult and $4,100 for a family of four, based on typical expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, and taxes. While some costs like healthcare and utilities are higher than national averages, Camden’s overall affordability makes it an attractive option for those seeking a lower cost of living in the Northeast.
If you’re considering a move to Camden or just want to understand your monthly budget better, read on for a detailed breakdown of the key expenses that shape the cost of living in this historic city.
Housing Costs in Camden
Housing is often the biggest expense in any city, and Camden is no exception. However, compared to nearby Philadelphia or New York City, Camden offers much more affordable options for both renters and buyers.
As of 2025, the typical rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Camden is around $1,400 per month. Prices can vary by neighborhood, with downtown and waterfront areas commanding higher rents. For a 3-bedroom single-family home, prices typically range from $250,000 to $350,000, with a median of $290,000.
Many Camden neighborhoods have active homeowners associations (HOAs) that charge monthly or annual fees for shared amenities and maintenance. These can add $100-300 per month to housing costs, so be sure to factor them into your budget when considering a home purchase.
| Neighborhood | 2BR Rent | 3BR Home Price |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | $1,600 | $320,000 |
| Waterfront South | $1,500 | $300,000 |
| Fairview | $1,300 | $270,000 |
| Parkside | $1,200 | $250,000 |
Utilities and Energy Bills in Camden
Utility costs in Camden tend to be higher than the national average, largely due to the city’s older housing stock and colder winters that drive up heating bills. For a typical 1,000 square foot apartment, combined utility costs average $200 per month.
Electricity prices in Camden average 14.2¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), about 10% higher than the national average. Natural gas, used for heating and cooking in many homes, costs around $12 per thousand cubic feet. Water and trash services add another $60-80 per month for most households.
| Utility | Avg Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | $80 |
| Natural Gas | $60 |
| Water & Sewer | $40 |
| Trash & Recycling | $20 |
Groceries and Food Costs in Camden
Grocery costs in Camden are generally in line with the U.S. average. Most residents spend between $300-500 per adult on groceries each month, depending on diet and shopping habits.
To give you a sense of food costs, here’s what you can expect to pay for common grocery items in Camden as of 2025:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Milk (1 gallon) | $3.80 |
| Eggs (1 dozen) | $2.50 |
| Bread (1 loaf) | $2.70 |
| Chicken (1 lb) | $4.20 |
| Apples (1 lb) | $2.00 |
| Potatoes (5 lb bag) | $3.50 |
By comparison, dining out costs around $15-25 per meal at a typical Camden restaurant. Cooking most of your meals at home is a great way to keep your overall food budget in check.
Taxes and Hidden Fees in Camden
New Jersey has some of the highest property taxes in the U.S., and Camden is no exception. The average effective property tax rate in the city is 3.4%, meaning a home valued at $300,000 would owe about $10,200 per year ($850 per month) in property taxes.
Sales taxes are more moderate, with a 6.625% rate that combines the New Jersey state sales tax (6.25%) and Camden County tax (0.375%). This applies to most goods and some services, adding about $30 to a $500 shopping trip.
Other common fees and hidden costs to watch for in Camden include:
- Vehicle registration fees ($40-75 per year)
- Parking permits ($30-100 per month)
- Rental application fees ($30-50 per adult)
- Utility deposits ($100-200 for new accounts)
- Trash service surcharges ($5-10 per month)
Monthly Budget Summary for Camden
So what does it really cost to live comfortably in Camden? Here’s a sample monthly budget for three common household types:
| Expense | Single Adult | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing (Rent/Mortgage) | $1,200 | $1,400 | $1,600 |
| Utilities | $150 | $200 | $250 |
| Groceries | $350 | $600 | $1,000 |
| Transportation | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Taxes | $500 | $800 | $1,100 |
| Miscellaneous | $400 | $600 | $800 |
| Monthly Total (Gross) | $2,800 | $3,900 | $5,150 |
Methodology: These 2025 estimates for Camden draw on publicly available national and regional sources including the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). Where city-specific figures are unavailable, safe regional ranges are applied (e.g., typical 2BR rents, grocery costs per adult). All amounts are expressed as gross monthly income (pre-tax) and rounded to whole dollars. Actual expenses vary by household size, lifestyle, and neighborhood choice.
Lifestyle Considerations in Camden
Of course, raw costs are just one part of the equation. Your ideal budget in Camden will also depend on your lifestyle priorities and neighborhood preferences.
For example, living closer to downtown or the waterfront will get you better access to dining, entertainment, and public transit — but you’ll pay for that convenience in the form of higher rents. More affordable options can be found in neighborhoods like Fairview and Parkside, but may mean a longer commute.
Camden’s housing costs also create an interesting dynamic for remote workers. While a couple who works locally may need to budget $4,000 per month to live comfortably, a remote worker couple could maintain a very similar standard of living for closer to $3,500 thanks to lower transportation costs.
Ultimately, the key to making Camden work on your budget is to align your biggest expenses (housing and transportation) with your income and priorities. From there, you can adjust the “flexible” categories like dining out, entertainment, and shopping to make the numbers work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camden more affordable than Philadelphia in 2025?
Yes, Camden tends to be more affordable than Philadelphia, with lower housing costs in particular. The median rent for a 1-bedroom in Camden is about $1,100 compared to $1,500 in Philadelphia.
What is a realistic monthly budget for a single person in Camden?
Based on typical expenses, a single adult in Camden should budget at least $2,800 per month in gross income to cover essentials like rent, food, transportation, and healthcare. Of course, your specific budget may be higher or lower depending on your lifestyle and neighborhood.
Do utilities cost more in Camden than other parts of New Jersey?
Utility costs in Camden are generally higher than the national average but in line with the rest of New Jersey. Expect to pay around $200 per month for electricity, natural gas, water, and trash service in a typical 1-bedroom apartment.
How much does a family of four spend on groceries in Camden?
A typical family of four in Camden spends around $1,000 per month on groceries, or about $250 per person. This assumes a mix of cooking at home and occasional meals out. Choosing budget-friendly staples and shopping sales can help keep grocery costs down.
Are property taxes higher in Camden than other nearby cities?
Property tax rates in Camden are actually lower than many other parts of New Jersey. The city’s average effective rate of 3.4% is well below rates of 5% or higher seen in some Newark and Jersey City neighborhoods.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Camden?
To afford a comfortable lifestyle in Camden, a single person should aim for a gross (pre-tax) income of at least $33,000 per year, or just under $3,000 per month. Couples generally need around $47,000 per year ($4,000 monthly) to live comfortably, while families of four should target $62,000 or more ($5,200 per month).