Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Ocean County, New Jersey
Ocean County has a HUD fair market rent of $2,283 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,755 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $43.90 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $2,283
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- About the same as in New Jersey
- Typical rent
- $1,755
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 2% more than in New Jersey
- Wage needed
- $43.90
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $91,320 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 58%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 13% more than in New Jersey
Only here
Renting in Ocean County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Of the 21 counties in New Jersey, Ocean County has the largest share of rent-burdened renters: 58%.
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Nearby, in Atlantic County, the typical rent is $1,376: 22% less than in Ocean County ($1,755).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Ocean County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Ocean County was $2,588 a month in September 2026: 3.7% more than 12 months ago. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,671 | $32.13 | $66,840 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,847 | $35.52 | $73,880 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,283 | $43.90 | $91,320 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,927 | $56.29 | $117,080 |
| 4 bedrooms | $3,241 | $62.33 | $129,640 |
HUD area: Monmouth-Ocean, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 32 ZIP codes in Ocean County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,760 in 08759 to $2,830 in 08722. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($2,283).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 08005 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,790 | $1,970 | $2,440 | $3,130 | $3,460 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08006 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,620 | $1,790 | $2,210 | $2,840 | $3,140 |
| 08008 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,670 | $1,840 | $2,280 | $2,920 | $3,240 |
| 08050 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,730 | $1,920 | $2,370 | $3,040 | $3,360 |
| 08087 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,650 | $1,820 | $2,250 | $2,880 | $3,190 |
| 08087 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,650 | $1,820 | $2,250 | $2,880 | $3,190 |
| 08092 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,470 | $1,630 | $2,010 | $2,580 | $2,850 |
| 08527 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,710 | $1,890 | $2,340 | $3,000 | $3,320 |
| 08533 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,540 | $1,700 | $2,100 | $2,690 | $2,980 |
| 08533 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,540 | $1,700 | $2,100 | $2,690 | $2,980 |
| 08701 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,500 | $1,660 | $2,050 | $2,630 | $2,910 |
| 08721 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,540 | $1,700 | $2,100 | $2,690 | $2,980 |
| 08722 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $2,070 | $2,290 | $2,830 | $3,630 | $4,020 |
| 08723 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,590 | $1,760 | $2,170 | $2,780 | $3,080 |
| 08724 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,680 | $1,860 | $2,300 | $2,950 | $3,270 |
| 08731 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,950 | $2,150 | $2,660 | $3,410 | $3,780 |
| 08732 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,540 | $1,710 | $2,110 | $2,710 | $3,000 |
| 08733 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,600 | $1,770 | $2,190 | $2,810 | $3,110 |
| 08734 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,560 | $1,720 | $2,130 | $2,730 | $3,020 |
| 08735 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,530 | $1,690 | $2,090 | $2,680 | $2,960 |
| 08738 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,730 | $1,960 | $2,410 | $3,150 | $3,490 |
| 08740 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,750 | $1,930 | $2,390 | $3,070 | $3,410 |
| 08741 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,670 | $1,850 | $2,280 | $2,930 | $3,240 |
| 08742 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,760 | $1,950 | $2,410 | $3,090 | $3,420 |
| 08751 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,350 | $1,500 | $1,850 | $2,370 | $2,630 |
| 08752 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,420 | $1,570 | $1,940 | $2,490 | $2,750 |
| 08753 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,650 | $1,820 | $2,250 | $2,890 | $3,190 |
| 08755 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,510 | $1,670 | $2,060 | $2,640 | $2,920 |
| 08757 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,650 | $1,820 | $2,250 | $2,890 | $3,190 |
| 08758 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,870 | $2,060 | $2,540 | $3,260 | $3,610 |
| 08759 | Monmouth-Ocean, NJ | $1,290 | $1,420 | $1,760 | $2,260 | $2,500 |
| 08759 | Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $1,290 | $1,420 | $1,760 | $2,260 | $2,500 |
- 08005 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,440$3,130
- 08006 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,210$2,840
- 08008 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,280$2,920
- 08050 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,370$3,040
- 08087 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,250$2,880
- 08087 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,250$2,880
- 08092 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,010$2,580
- 08527 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,340$3,000
- 08533 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,100$2,690
- 08533 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $2,100$2,690
- 08701 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,050$2,630
- 08721 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,100$2,690
- 08722 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,830$3,630
- 08723 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,170$2,780
- 08724 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,300$2,950
- 08731 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,660$3,410
- 08732 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,110$2,710
- 08733 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,190$2,810
- 08734 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,130$2,730
- 08735 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,090$2,680
- 08738 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,410$3,150
- 08740 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,390$3,070
- 08741 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,280$2,930
- 08742 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,410$3,090
- 08751 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $1,850$2,370
- 08752 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $1,940$2,490
- 08753 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,250$2,890
- 08755 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,060$2,640
- 08757 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,250$2,890
- 08758 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $2,540$3,260
- 08759 · Monmouth-Ocean, NJ $1,760$2,260
- 08759 · Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD $1,760$2,260
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ocean County, 58% of renter households are in that position; in New Jersey, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
58%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
46,969 households rent in Ocean County
- Spend half or more of their income 33%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 42%
Compared with the state and the country
- Ocean 58%
- New Jersey 52%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Ocean County
HUD lists 76 properties with homes for low-income households in Ocean County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 51
- HUD-assisted
- 25
5,796 homes in all; 3,915 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Winteringham Village HUD-assisted 1040 Route 166, Toms River 08753 183 homes, 182 low-income · For families
- Chambersbridge Residence (brick Senior Apartments) Tax credit (LIHTC) 175 Chambers Bridge Rd, Brick 183 homes, 175 low-income · In service since 1998
- Eleanor Levovitz Senior Citizens HUD-assisted 500 Clifton Ave, Lakewood 08701 151 homes, 150 low-income · For older adults
- Westlake Mews Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Muirfield Rd, Jackson 150 homes, 149 low-income · In service since 2012
- Lakewood Plaza Section II Tax credit (LIHTC) 154a DR. Martin Luther King Drive, Lakewood 151 homes, 137 low-income · In service since 2012
- Toms River Crescent Tax credit (LIHTC) 303 Audrey Ave, Toms River 120 low-income homes · In service since 2008
- Stafford Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 255 Market Street, Stafford Twp 112 low-income homes · In service since 2009
- Highland Plaza HUD-assisted 91 Highland Pkwy, Toms River 08753 111 homes, 110 low-income · For older adults
- Royal Timbers Tax credit (LIHTC) 111 Wild Oaks Ct, Little Egg Harbor Twp 103 low-income homes · In service since 2012
- Toms River Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) Cox Cro RD and Massachusetts Avenue, Toms River 102 homes, 101 low-income · In service since 2017
- Heritage Village at Seabreeze Tax credit (LIHTC) 1031 Newark Ave, Forked River 100 low-income homes · In service since 2011
- Stafford SR. Tax credit (LIHTC) Campbell Boulevard, Stafford Twp 100 low-income homes
- Bayville Senior Citizens Housing HUD-assisted 200 Iger Way, Bayville 08721 95 low-income homes · For older adults
- Seaside Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 316 and 323 Hamilton Avenue, Seaside Heights 91 low-income homes · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Seaside Senior Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 316 and 323 Hamilton Avenue, Seaside Heights 91 low-income homes
- Jackson Family Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Mallard Ct, Jackson 88 low-income homes
- Stafford by the Bay HUD-assisted 312 E Bay Ave, Stafford Township 08050 84 low-income homes · For older adults
- The Oaks at Toms River HUD-assisted 923 Oak Ave, Dover Township 08753 84 low-income homes · For older adults
- The Presbyterian Home at Manchester HUD-assisted 2204 Hilltop Rd, Manchester Twp 08759 83 low-income homes · For older adults
- Meadow Green Tax credit (LIHTC) 2257 Massachusetts Ave, Toms River 80 low-income homes · In service since 2017
- Lakewood Plaza II HUD-assisted 154A Dr. M. L. King Dr, Lakewood 08701 152 homes, 78 low-income · For families
- The Willows at Whiting Tax credit (LIHTC) 1110 Route 70, Whiting 76 low-income homes
- The Willows at Whiting Tax credit (LIHTC) 1110 Route 70, Whiting 76 low-income homes · In service since 2020
- Willows at Waretown Tax credit (LIHTC) 501 Route 9, Waretown 76 low-income homes · In service since 2015
- Cedar Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 240 S Main St, West Creek 72 low-income homes
- Freedom Village at Toms River Tax credit (LIHTC) 2215 Massachusetts Ave, Toms River 72 low-income homes · In service since 2015
- Cornerstone at Barnegat Aka Barnegat Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 9 S Main St, Barnegat 70 low-income homes · In service since 2016
- Lacey Family Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 916 Lacey Rd, Lacey 70 low-income homes · In service since 2017
- Laurel Oaks Tax credit (LIHTC) 465 N Main St, Barnegat Township 70 low-income homes · In service since 2013
- Manchester Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 50 Lacey Rd, Whiting 70 homes, 69 low-income · In service since 2016
- Lakewood Plaza I HUD-assisted 202A Dr. M. L. King Dr, Lakewood 08701 98 homes, 68 low-income · For families
- Waretown Family Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 581 Route 9, Waretown 64 low-income homes · In service since 2020
- Chambers Crescent Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Center St, Lakewood 62 low-income homes · In service since 2016
- Chambers Crescent HUD-assisted 483 Cedarbridge Ave, Lakewood 08701 62 low-income homes · For families
- Manahawkin Family Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 200 Back Rd, Stafford Twp 60 low-income homes · In service since 2019
- Beckerville Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 Manor Dr, Manchester 57 homes, 56 low-income · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 21 · In service since 2001
- Little Egg Harbor Tax credit (LIHTC) 180 Oak Ln, Little Egg Harbor Twp 56 low-income homes
- Whispering Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 345 Hawthorne Ln, Barnegat Township 52 low-income homes · In service since 2013
- Harbor View Plaza HUD-assisted 334 E Main St, Tuckerton 08087 72 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults · (609) 296-3332
- Park Plaza HUD-assisted 150 Mathistown Rd, Little Egg Harbor Twp 08087 51 homes, 50 low-income · For older adults
- Macedonia Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 140 John St, Lakewood 50 low-income homes · In service since 1999 · For older adults
- Riverwood Chase Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 41 Cox Cro Rd, Toms River 50 low-income homes
- Toms River Family Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) Route 70 and Massachusetts Ave, Toms River 49 low-income homes
- Lacey Family Apartments Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 900 Gary Smith Way, Forked River 48 low-income homes
- Patriot's Cove Tax credit (LIHTC) 5 Union Blvd, Barnegat Township 46 low-income homes · In service since 2009
- Brick Special Needs Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 1200 Route 70, Brick 36 low-income homes · Studio: 24 · 1 bd: 12 · In service since 2004
- Laurel Oaks Family Apartments 2 Tax credit (LIHTC) 465 N Main St, Barnegat Township 24 low-income homes · In service since 2013
- Residential Resources HUD-assisted 755 Cedarbridge Ave, Lakewood 08701 12 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Ocean Allies HUD-assisted 126 Oak Glen Rd, Toms River 08753 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Toms River Senior Apartments HUD-assisted 2121 Massachusetts Ave, Toms River 08755 96 homes, 6 low-income · (732) 240-2787
- Mill Creek Residence HUD-assisted 191 Mill Creek Rd, Bayville 08721 6 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Meadow Green HUD-assisted 2257 Massachusetts Ave, Toms River 08755 75 homes, 5 low-income · (570) 764-7231
- Cornerstone at Barnegat HUD-assisted 9 S Main St, Barnegat 08005 70 homes, 5 low-income · (609) 607-5526
- OMHS Housing 2002 HUD-assisted 771 Maple Rd, Lanoka Harbor 08734 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- OMHS Housing 2004 HUD-assisted 240 Oak Ln, Forked River 08731 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- OMHS Housing 2005 HUD-assisted 70 Schooner Ave, Barnegat 08005 5 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Preferred Supportive Housing 2 HUD-assisted 37 Ridgewood Dr, Toms River 08755 4 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Manchester Senior Housing HUD-assisted 50 Lacey Rd, Whiting 08759 67 homes, 3 low-income · (844) 260-7164
- Brick Consumer Home HUD-assisted 20 London Rd, Bricktown 08723 3 low-income homes · For people with disabilities
- Cornerstone at Wareton HUD-assisted 581 Route 9, Waretown 08758 54 homes, 1 low-income · (609) 693-0500
- Chambers Bridge Residence Tax credit (LIHTC) 175 Chambers Bridge Rd, Brick 183 homes · 1 bd: 163 · 2 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2012
- Chambers Bridge Residence #502 Tax credit (LIHTC) 175 Chambers Bridge Rd, Brick 08723 183 homes · In service since 1998
- Lakewood Plaza Section II #216 Tax credit (LIHTC) 154A Martin Luther King Dr, Lakewood 08701 151 homes · In service since 2012
- Westlake Mews #633 Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Muirfield Rd, Jackson 08527 149 homes · In service since 2012
- Royal Timbers #380 Tax credit (LIHTC) 111 Wild Oaks Ct, Little Egg Harbor Twp 08087 103 homes · In service since 2012
- Heritage at Seabreeze Tax credit (LIHTC) 1031 Newark Ave, Forked River 08731 100 homes · In service since 2011
- Stafford Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 312 E Bay Ave, Manahawkin 85 homes · 1 bd: 85 · In service since 2020 · For older adults
- Laurel Oaks Family Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 465 N Main St, Barnegat 08005 69 homes · In service since 2013
- Laurel Oaks Family Apartments #1105 Tax credit (LIHTC) 465 N Main St, Barnegat 08005 69 homes · In service since 2013
- Laurel Oaks Family Apts I Tax credit (LIHTC) 465 N Main St, Barnegat 69 homes · In service since 2013
- Manchester Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 Manor Dr, Manchester 56 homes · 2 bd: 37 · 3 bd: 19 · In service since 2001
- Manchester Village #572 Aka Beckerville Apart Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 Manor Dr, Manchester 08759 56 homes · In service since 2012
- Macedonia Senior Housing #524 Tax credit (LIHTC) 144 John St, Lakewood 08701 50 homes · In service since 2012
- Brick Special Needs Housing #670 Tax credit (LIHTC) State Highway 70, Brick Township 36 homes · In service since 2012
- Laurel Oaks Family Apartments II Tax credit (LIHTC) 465 N Main St, Barnegat 08005 24 homes · In service since 2013
- Jackson Family (ponds at Jackson 21) Tax credit (LIHTC) 100 Mallard Ct, Jackson Township In service since 2020
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Ocean County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in Ocean County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
-
Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $29,550 | $49,250 | $76,000 |
| 2 people | $33,800 | $56,250 | $86,850 |
| 3 people | $38,000 | $63,300 | $97,700 |
| 4 people | $42,200 | $70,300 | $108,550 |
| 5 people | $45,600 | $75,950 | $117,250 |
| 6 people | $49,000 | $81,550 | $125,950 |
| 7 people | $52,350 | $87,200 | $134,650 |
| 8 people | $55,750 | $92,800 | $143,300 |
Area median income: $140,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Monmouth-Ocean, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,504 – $1,838
- 1 bedroom $1,662 – $2,032
- 2 bedrooms $2,055 – $2,511
- 3 bedrooms $2,634 – $3,220
- 4 bedrooms $2,917 – $3,565
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Housing Authority of the Township of Lakewood Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 1,140 vouchers (732) 364-1300 Housing Authority of the Township of Lakewood: sparsons@lakewoodha.org
- Lakewood Township Residential Assistance Prog Section 8 vouchers · 1,071 vouchers (732) 367-0660 Lakewood Township Residential Assistance Prog: henya@ltrap.org
- Brick Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 427 vouchers (732) 920-9400
- Berkeley Housing Authority Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 99 vouchers (732) 269-2312 Berkeley Housing Authority: bha@berkeleytwphousing.org
Housing agencies in New Jersey Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in New Jersey
What New Jersey law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1.5 months of rent
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1
- Only a court order can remove youN.J.S.A. 2A:39-1
- Protection from retaliationN.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10
Help
Where to get help with rent in Ocean County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Ocean County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Ocean, Inc. (ocean Community Economic Action Now, Inc.)
40 Main St, Toms River · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
Rental assistance programs
The ones that serve in Ocean County or the whole state, with what each page says about being open.
-
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Home Energy Assistance
Run by New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
New Jersey help for very low-income residents with heating and cooling bills, and with past-due electric and gas bills
Open, per the source
See details -
Omnibus Eviction and Homelessness Prevention (OEHP) program
Run by New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), Office of Eviction Prevention
New Jersey program that, through organizations in all 21 counties, helps renters with back rent, moving and free legal advice when facing eviction
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Ocean County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in New Jersey, the average home bill was $128 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$4,566
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $2,283
- Security deposit
- $2,283
- Total
- $4,566
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Ocean County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,671; 1 bedroom: $1,847; 2 bedrooms: $2,283; 3 bedrooms: $2,927; 4 bedrooms: $3,241. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Ocean County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($2,283) without spending more than 30% of income takes $43.90 an hour full time, or $91,320 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Ocean County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $70,300 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Ocean County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $2,055 and $2,511 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Ocean County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,760 in 08759 to $2,830 in 08722. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Ocean County?
HUD lists 76 properties with homes for low-income households in Ocean County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Ocean County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ocean County, 58% of renter households are in that position; in New Jersey, 52%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).