A recent Patch report by **Chris Hallum** highlights how expensive it is to live comfortably in New Jersey, based on a new analysis from SmartAsset. Using the 50/30/20 budgeting rule—50 percent of income for necessities, 30 percent for discretionary spending, and 20 percent for savings or debt repayment—the study estimated how much a single adult needs to earn to maintain a comfortable lifestyle in each state.
According to the analysis, **New Jersey ranks among the most expensive states in the country** for a single adult seeking financial comfort. The report says a person in New Jersey needs to earn **$106,496 per year** to live comfortably. That places the Garden State **fifth-highest nationwide**, behind only **Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, and New York**.
The article explains that New Jersey’s high cost reflects broader affordability pressures seen across the Northeast and other high-cost regions. SmartAsset’s findings are based on local living costs and are meant to reflect more than just getting by—they estimate what it takes to cover essentials, enjoy some discretionary spending, and still save responsibly.
The Patch story also compares New Jersey to nearby states and the national landscape, emphasizing how difficult it has become for many residents to achieve financial stability while balancing housing, transportation, food, and other monthly expenses. The findings underscore how a “comfortable” income level can be far higher than what many people may expect, especially in states with elevated living costs.
Source: Chris Hallum, Patch
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https://patch.com/new-jersey/across-nj/here-s-what-it-costs-live-comfortably-nj
