Rent in Union County, NJ at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$2,205$26,460 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $2,233 (+1.3%)How much rent can you afford in Union 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 Union 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 | $1,612 | $19,344 | $64,480 | $31.00/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,822 | $21,864 | $72,880 | $35.04/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $2,205 | $26,460 | $88,200 | $42.40/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,761 | $33,132 | $110,440 | $53.10/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,137 | $37,644 | $125,480 | $60.33/hr |
Cost of living in Union County, NJ: income, prices and a budget →
Living and working in Union County, NJ
Rent in Union County, NJ: common questions
How much is rent going up in Union County, NJ in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $2,233 for a two-bedroom, up 1.3% from $2,205. A one-bedroom goes from $1,822 to $1,850, a studio from $1,612 to $1,637.
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 Union County, NJ?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,822 for a one-bedroom and $2,205 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $26,460 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 Union County, NJ?
To keep a $2,205 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $42.40 an hour, or $88,200 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,822 takes $35.04 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Union County, NJ?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,612, one bedroom $1,822, two $2,205, three $2,761 and four $3,137 a month.
Is rent affordable in Union County, NJ?
For the typical household, earning $103,202 a year ($8,600 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $2,205 takes 25.6% 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: ($2,205 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $88,200. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $42.40 an hour.