Toms River, NJ Utility & Living Guide

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Toms River, NJ Utility & Living Guide

Toms River is a township located on the Jersey Shore in Ocean County, in the U.S. state of New Jersey. Its mainland portion is also a census-designated place of the same name, which serves as the county seat of Ocean County. Formerly known as the Township of Dover, voters in a 2006 referendum approv

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Jersey Central Power & Light (JCP&L)
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

New Jersey Natural Gas
💧 Water

$45/mo

Toms River Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Waste Management
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

The housing market in Toms River is competitive, with steady demand for single-family homes. Prices have risen due to its proximity to beaches and New York City commuters.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6.625% + County 0% + City 0.875%</p>

New Jersey has a progressive income tax ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+3% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mixed Republican/Democratic leanings)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in healthcare, retail, and tourism.
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, traffic congestion, coastal flooding
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; buses are accessible but infrequent. Sidewalks are common in residential areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Cattus Island County Park
  • 🎯
    Jenkinson's Aquarium
  • 🎯
    Toms River Waterfront

Best Neighborhoods for Families

North Dover and Silverton are popular for families due to good schools and parks. Beachfront areas are pricier but offer recreational access.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Toms River based on your household profile.

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📊 Toms River — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$85,752
👤 Median Age
42.7
🏠 Homeownership Rate
80.2%
🔑 Renter Rate
19.8%
📉 Poverty Rate
7.5%
💼 Unemployment Rate
5.0%
📡 Internet Access
88.8%
🎓 College Educated
31.2%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Electricity costs rise in summer due to AC use, while gas bills peak in winter for heating. Water usage increases in warmer months for landscaping.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP codes (08753, 08755) have millage rates around 1.2%. No local surtaxes beyond county rates.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Decent sidewalks and park access, but transit lacks elevators. Family amenities are improving in newer developments.

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