Perth Amboy, NJ Utility & Living Guide

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Perth Amboy, NJ Utility & Living Guide

Utilities, housing, taxes, cost of living, and local insights — everything residents and families need.

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

PSE&G
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

PSE&G
💧 Water

$45/mo

Perth Amboy Municipal Utilities Authority
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Perth Amboy Department of Public Works
📶 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

Perth Amboy’s housing market remains relatively affordable compared to nearby NYC suburbs, with steady demand for both rentals and starter homes. Waterfront properties command premium prices.

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 progressive income tax rates ranging from 1.4% to 10.75% depending on income bracket.

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
+3.2% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue (Democratic stronghold with some local Republican representation)
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in logistics, healthcare, and light manufacturing
Top Local Concerns
Property taxes, school quality, infrastructure maintenance
🚌 Transit for Families

NJ Transit buses accommodate strollers but some stations lack elevators. Ferry terminal is fully accessible.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Perth Amboy Waterfront Park
  • 🎯
    Sadie Pope Dowdell Public Library
  • 🎯
    Raritan Bay Waterfront Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

The waterfront area near Brighton Avenue offers the best family amenities and school access. The historic district has charming homes but limited parking.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Perth Amboy based on your household profile.

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📊 Perth Amboy — Census & Demographic Data

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

💰 Median Household Income
$53,750
👤 Median Age
35.7
🏠 Homeownership Rate
32.8%
🔑 Renter Rate
67.2%
📉 Poverty Rate
20.8%
💼 Unemployment Rate
9.7%
📡 Internet Access
78.2%
🎓 College Educated
12.9%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC use can double electric bills, while winter heating costs spike gas bills by 30-50%. Spring/fall have lowest utility costs.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

08861 ZIP has uniform 1.2% property tax rate. No local surtaxes beyond standard NJ rates.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

7/10: Good sidewalk coverage downtown but uneven in older neighborhoods. Waterfront parks have excellent stroller access.

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