For one person, living costs in Atlantic City, NJ are estimated at $2,821 a month, including rent and utilities, which take more than half of the total. Other living expenses average about $42 a day.
Real prices from locals and on-the-ground checks – rent, groceries, transit and the daily extras. Here's what a month in Atlantic City, NJ actually costs, broken down by who's living it.
Living costs for one person come to about $2,821 monthly including rent, or $1,264 excluding housing.
$2,821 /mo
Estimated monthly costs for a couple: $4,228 with rent, or $2,237 without housing.
$4,228 /mo
Monthly costs for a family of three come to about $5,635 including rent, or $3,210 for daily expenses alone.
Midsize Hatchback 1.4l(Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)
$20.4K$20.4K
$20.4K$20.4K
$36.1K$36.1K
Compact Sedan 1.6l(Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)
$24.8K$24.8K
$24.8K$24.8K
$26.7K$26.7K
🧾 Monthly Utilities & Internet
Cost
Range
Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment(Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage)(85m2)
$250$250
$132$132
$509$509
SIM Card Monthly Plan(Calls and 10GB+ Data)
$61.2$61.2
$30.11$30.11
$191$191
Internet(50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)
$61.0$61.0
$34.41$34.41
$118$118
🎉 Sport & Entertainment
Cost
Range
Gym Membership(Monthly)
$29.59$29.59
-
Tennis Court(1 Hour on Weekend)
$50.1$50.1
-
Cinema Ticket
$16.78$16.78
$13.66$13.66
$26.83$26.83
🧸 Childcare & Education
Cost
Range
Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child(Monthly)
$503$503
$503$503
$3,421$3,421
International Primary School, 1 Child(Yearly)
$7,031$7,031
$7,031$7,031
$50.0K$50.0K
👕👟 Clothing & Footwear
Cost
Range
Jeans(Levis 501 Or Similar)
$70.5$70.5
$50.7$50.7
$101$101
Summer Dress(H&M, Zara, etc)
$31.78$31.78
$25.08$25.08
$100$100
Sport Shoes(Adidas, Nike)
$122$122
$76.3$76.3
$183$183
Men's Leather Business Shoes
$120$120
$74.9$74.9
$249$249
🏠 Accommodation & Living
Cost
Range
1-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$1,737$1,737
$1,604$1,604
$2,004$2,004
1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$1,307$1,307
$905$905
$1,609$1,609
3-bedroom Apartment, City Center(Monthly)
$2,320$2,320
$1,960$1,960
$2,548$2,548
3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center(Monthly)
$2,175$2,175
$1,890$1,890
$2,721$2,721
Buy Apartment in City Center(m2)
$4,255$4,255
$3,902$3,902
$4,501$4,501
Buy Apartment Outside City Center(m2)
$4,212$4,212
$3,863$3,863
$4,456$4,456
💵 Salaries & Financials
Cost
Range
Average Monthly Net Salary(After Tax)
$4,017$4,017
-
20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate(Annual %)
6.67
3
7.58
CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.
Last update: October 20, 2026
Monthly budget structure
Share of the monthly basket for one person, rent included.
Share of the monthly basket for a family of three, rent included.
Atlantic City, NJ$2,821
Atlantic City, NJ$5,635
🏠Accommodation & Living
$1.3K 46.3%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$488 17.3%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$372 13.2%
🍽Eating Out
$322 11.4%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$155 5.5%
🚌Getting Around
$114 4%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$63 2.2%
🏠Accommodation & Living
$2.2K 38.6%
🛒Groceries & Markets
$1.1K 20.1%
🧾Monthly Utilities & Internet
$434 7.7%
🍽Eating Out
$1.1K 20.3%
👕👟Clothing & Footwear
$344 6.1%
🚌Getting Around
$234 4.2%
🎉Sport & Entertainment
$176 3.1%
Cost Breakdown
🏠Expect to pay about $1,737 for a central one-bedroom, or $1,307 outside the center. At 43% of the average salary ($4,017), housing is the biggest financial pressure.
💰Average take-home pay sits at $4,017, while typical expenses reach $2,821. This leaves some room for savings, though a comfortable buffer starts closer to $4,232.
🛒Expect to spend about $488 monthly on groceries. Dining out at a mid-range restaurant costs roughly $98.0 for two.
🚌Public transport is priced at around $88.3 per month.
Cost Highlights
⭐Rice is more expensive than 97% of cities in North America
⭐Chicken fillets is more expensive than 94% of cities in North America
⭐Family monthly cost (excluding rent) is more expensive than 93% of cities in North America
Popular online taxi apps offering convenient, cashless rides in many countries, including Uber, Bolt, Grab, inDrive, DiDi, Careem, Gojek, Maxim, and Yango
English is commonly used in services, signage, and daily life
Cost of Living in Atlantic City, NJ - Frequently Asked Questions
Is Atlantic City generally a good value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads, and how does it compare to other coastal destinations?
Atlantic City blends casino-era convenience with coastline charm, offering solid value for travelers, expats, and digital nomads who don’t need a city-center salary. Overall, the Cost of Living in Atlantic City, NJ, United States tends to be moderate relative to larger metro hubs, with value shaped by neighborhood choice and season. Seasonal swings can push costs up during events, while off-peak periods offer quieter streets and better lodging deals. You’ll find a mix of budget rooms, longer-term rentals, and diverse dining that fits many budgets. Tip: Plan ahead with a flexible stay window to lock lower rates and test neighborhoods.
What does daily life look like here in terms of housing search, dining options, and getting around?
Daily life in Atlantic City blends walkability with occasional tourist crowds. Housing options range from near-boardwalk apartments with ocean views to quieter inland studios and shared living setups – look for month-to-month leases if you’re experimenting. Food choices span casual diners, markets, and affordable ethnic spots, plus seasonal farmers’ markets. Transport is practical: buses reach surrounding towns, and rideshares are common; biking can work in milder months. For context, Atlantic City, NJ, United States living cost varies by neighborhood and season, so budget for spikes when events draw visitors. Tip: test neighborhoods with short visits before committing.
What should you consider about quality of life, budgeting, and choosing a neighborhood in Atlantic City?
Quality of life in Atlantic City tends to reward those who balance planning with flexibility. Build a simple budgeting framework: fixed costs (housing, utilities) plus flexible categories (food, entertainment, transit) to track monthly. Take advantage of shoulder seasons for better rates and fewer crowds, and explore neighborhoods like the marina, midtown, or historic districts for different vibes and commuting times. Social life can be vibrant without breaking the bank if you mix low-cost eateries, parks, and occasional experiences. Tip: use a trial month to compare neighborhoods, then choose a base that minimizes commute and maximizes work-life balance.
Why is Atlantic City, NJ so expensive compared to other cities?
Budget at least $2,821 per month to live in Atlantic City, NJ once rent is factored in. The high price tag reflects quality infrastructure and a strong economy, but it does mean you need a decent income to live comfortably here.
Is rent in Atlantic City, NJ too high relative to local incomes?
With 43% of the average paycheck going to rent, Atlantic City, NJ is on the expensive side for housing. Many locals cope by sharing apartments, moving to outer neighborhoods, or downsizing to keep things manageable.
How does the average salary in Atlantic City, NJ compare to the cost of living?
At $4,017 take-home, most residents in Atlantic City, NJ can cover the $2,821 monthly cost of living. Those earning $4,232 or more have room to save; below-average earners will find things noticeably tighter.
What does a one-bedroom apartment cost in Atlantic City, NJ per month?
Where you live in Atlantic City, NJ makes all the difference. Central one-bedrooms cost about $1,737; commute-friendly outer districts come in around $1,307. Overall, the market runs from $1,307 to $1,737 depending on size, location, and apartment condition.
Is public transport affordable in Atlantic City, NJ?
A monthly transit pass in Atlantic City, NJ runs about $88.3, with good coverage across residential and business areas. It's entirely feasible to live car-free here for daily commuting and errands.
Why are groceries so expensive in Atlantic City, NJ?
A single person's grocery bill in Atlantic City, NJ runs about $488 monthly, which is above average. Everything from dairy and meat to fresh produce costs more here, reflecting the city's overall high price level.
Is $3,000 enough to cover living costs in Atlantic City, NJ?
At $2,821 in typical monthly expenses, a $3,000 budget barely covers Atlantic City, NJ. You'd need a shared flat in an outer area, home-cooked meals, and serious discipline with discretionary spending to make it work.
What are the pros and cons of living in Atlantic City, NJ?
Living in Atlantic City, NJ means access to fast internet, vibrant nightlife, family-friendly facilities at about $2,821 per month including rent. It works for a wide range of budgets, and most residents find the lifestyle-to-cost balance appealing. Your experience will depend on priorities like climate, culture, and career.
Atlantic City, NJ vs other spots: cost of living compared