Why 2025 Is the Breaking Point for New Jersey’s Cost of Living

A bold graphic showing New Jersey breaking under the weight of rising costs, with dollar signs, storm clouds, and lightning.

Let’s not sugarcoat it: living in New Jersey has always been expensive. But 2025 isn’t just “tough.” It’s the year many homeowners are finally saying, “Enough is enough.”

Between property taxes that rival mortgage payments, utility bills that just shot up 20% in a few months, and insurance premiums climbing faster than Parkway tolls, residents are asking the question they swore they’d never ask: Should I move out of New Jersey?

Spoiler alert: for a growing number of people, the answer is yes.

Property Taxes: The Same Old Nightmare

New Jersey has managed to keep its title of highest property taxes in America. The average bill is close to $10,000 a year, and in many counties it’s much worse. Bergen, Essex, Morris… let’s just say you could practically buy a small vacation condo in another state with what you’re paying to the township here.

And what are you really getting for those taxes? Potholes, budget holes, and schools crammed to the max. Other states offer much lower taxes — and in some cases, better services — without bleeding you dry.

Utility & Insurance Sticker Shock

As if property taxes weren’t enough, 2025 has been a gut punch on energy costs. Residents across the state are reporting 20%+ increases in their power bills since June.

I covered this more deeply on my other site, NJ House Partners, but the short version is this: families are being blindsided by sudden jumps they can’t absorb. Add rising homeowner’s insurance and car insurance, and you’re stuck paying more just to keep the lights on.

Other states — from Florida to the Carolinas — offer significantly lower utility and insurance costs, leaving more money in your pocket each month.

Everyday Costs Are Out of Control

It’s not just the “big stuff.” Groceries cost more here. Gas is more. Dining out is more. Childcare is astronomical. Even a quick Target run feels like highway robbery.

Meanwhile, in places like Pennsylvania or North Carolina, the cost of living is so much lower that families can breathe. Imagine paying your mortgage, utilities, and food bills — and still having money left over for savings or a vacation. In Jersey, that’s not a reality.

You’re Paying More, Living Less

The insult added to injury: you’re not even getting a better quality of life for all these costs. Instead, you’re stuck with:

• Gridlock on the Parkway and Turnpike 🚗💨

• Overcrowded schools and healthcare systems 🏥

• Political dysfunction that makes headlines for all the wrong reasons 📺

• Weather that alternates between snow shovels and swampy summers 🌨️☀️🦟

If you’re paying premium prices, shouldn’t you at least be happy living here?

The Alternatives: States (and Countries) Where Life Is Better

That’s why more New Jersey homeowners are looking outward. And not just at Pennsylvania, Florida, or the Carolinas. Increasingly, some are exploring international moves — places like Portugal, Costa Rica, or Mexico, where the dollar stretches much further.

Popular U.S. relocation choices for 2025 include:

• Florida: No state income tax, sunshine year-round, and yes, plenty of New Jersey transplants already there.

• North Carolina: Growing job markets, affordable housing, and lower property taxes.

• South Carolina: Affordable homes, slower pace of life, and coastal charm.

• Pennsylvania: Close to home but with drastically lower taxes and living costs.

• Texas: A whole different culture, but housing costs are far lower.

• International: Retirees and digital workers alike are moving abroad for cheaper healthcare and a higher quality of life.

How EscapeFromNewJersey.com Helps

Here’s the deal: you don’t have to figure this out alone.

At EscapeFromNewJersey.com, we connect homeowners like you with top real estate agents in the state or country you’re moving to. That way, you have someone who knows the local market, can help you find your next home, and can make the process seamless.

You don’t just need to sell your NJ home. You need a plan for what’s next. And that’s where we come in.

Is 2025 Your Breaking Point?

New Jersey isn’t going to suddenly get cheaper. The bills will keep coming, the taxes will keep rising, and the stress will keep piling up.

If you’re ready to trade in your NJ headaches for a better life elsewhere, 2025 is the year to act. Sell your home, move your money, and put down roots somewhere you actually want to be.

And if you’re serious about exploring your options, reach out. We’ll connect you with trusted agents across the U.S. (and beyond) who can help you make the leap — while making sure your NJ sale goes smoothly.

Because life is too short to keep paying for New Jersey when the rest of the world is waiting.

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