Rent in Middlesex County, NJ at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$2,486$29,832 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $2,623 (+5.5%)How much rent can you afford in Middlesex County, NJ?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Middlesex County, NJ by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,804 | $21,648 | $72,160 | $34.69/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,978 | $23,736 | $79,120 | $38.04/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $2,486 | $29,832 | $99,440 | $47.81/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,981 | $35,772 | $119,240 | $57.33/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,296 | $39,552 | $131,840 | $63.38/hr |
Cost of living in Middlesex County, NJ: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Middlesex County, NJ
Rent in Middlesex County, NJ: common questions
How much is rent going up in Middlesex County, NJ in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $2,623 for a two-bedroom, up 5.5% from $2,486. A one-bedroom goes from $1,978 to $2,103, a studio from $1,804 to $1,953.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Middlesex County, NJ?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,978 for a one-bedroom and $2,486 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $29,832 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Middlesex County, NJ?
To keep a $2,486 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $47.81 an hour, or $99,440 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,978 takes $38.04 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Middlesex County, NJ?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,804, one bedroom $1,978, two $2,486, three $2,981 and four $3,296 a month.
Is rent affordable in Middlesex County, NJ?
For the typical household, earning $111,549 a year ($9,296 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $2,486 takes 26.7% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($2,486 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $99,440. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $47.81 an hour.