As inflation persists and the housing market continues to shift, renters in South Jersey are feeling the pressure. What used to be an affordable alternative to Philadelphia’s expensive rental scene is now catching up—one county at a time. A recent report from WFPG gives us a deeper look into South Jersey’s rental pricing landscape, highlighting which areas remain budget-friendly—and which are quickly becoming out of reach.
Salem County: Still the Cheapest, But Rising
Average Rent: $1,436/month (via Apartments.com)
While still considered one of the more affordable options in South Jersey, Salem County’s average rent continues to climb. This is just shy of the national average of $1,487/month (as of early 2025), signaling a market that is no longer immune to broader regional price hikes.
What makes Salem unique is its combination of lower rent, rural landscapes, and a slower pace of life. However, renters should be aware that these affordability perks may not last much longer if current trends continue.
What’s Happening in the Rest of South Jersey?
Although Salem County is the only county with a direct figure in the WFPG report, regional and statewide data paint a consistent picture: rents are climbing across the board.
Let’s look at a few neighboring counties, using a broader New Jersey rent analysis published by Patch:
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Cumberland County
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2024 Rent: $1,566
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2025 Rent: $1,652
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Increase: +5.5%
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Gloucester County
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2024 Rent: $2,199
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2025 Rent: $2,360
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Increase: +7.3%
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Atlantic County (home to Atlantic City)
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While not listed with exact rent in the WFPG breakdown, Atlantic County continues to draw renters with its proximity to the Shore, which increases demand in summer and drives up annual averages.
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Burlington County
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Conveniently located between Philly and the Jersey Shore, Burlington’s rent costs have also been rising, particularly in towns like Mount Laurel and Maple Shade where demand for rentals is surging.
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Why Are South Jersey Rents Climbing?
Several key factors are contributing to the region’s rent increases:
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Population Spillover
Many renters are priced out of Philadelphia and looking for more affordable housing across the river. This creates a demand surge in towns like Camden, Cherry Hill, and Vineland. -
Limited Rental Supply
New construction has not kept pace with demand. Existing rental stock is aging, and landlords are increasing rents to meet higher maintenance and utility costs. -
Inflation + Cost of Living
Rising utility bills, insurance premiums, and taxes are pushing landlords to pass on costs to tenants. As wages struggle to keep pace, more renters are feeling squeezed. -
Seasonal Market Dynamics
South Jersey, especially counties near the Shore, sees seasonal rent spikes. Summer renters drive up short-term and long-term pricing.
What Renters Can Do to Stay Ahead
Here are some strategies to help navigate the rising rental tide:
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Lock in Lease Terms: Ask for a longer lease to lock in current pricing before further increases.
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Expand Your Search Radius: Look at bordering towns and smaller boroughs that may still offer affordable options.
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Watch the Data: Use tools like Apartments.com, Zillow, and RentCafe to track fluctuations in your area.
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Negotiate When Renewing: If you’re a good tenant, your landlord might agree to smaller increases to keep you.
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Consider Roommates or Co-Living: If solo renting is becoming too expensive, teaming up could make high-demand areas more accessible.
South Jersey’s Future Rental Outlook
The combination of rising demand, tight supply, and economic uncertainty means South Jersey renters should brace for continued price growth through late 2025. However, awareness is power. Understanding which counties are still affordable—and why rents are increasing—can help tenants make more informed decisions.
As more residents migrate to the region for affordability, South Jersey’s rental market will continue to evolve. Keeping a close eye on these shifts is the key to staying ahead in a competitive landscape.
Source: South Jersey’s Climbing Rent Prices: A Breakdown by County – WFPG