Average Rent in Middlesex, NJ (2026)
The average 1-bedroom rent in Middlesex, NJ is $2,003/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 21 ZIP codes. Rents have changed +3.1% year over year. Rents range from $1,560 to $2,660.
Average Rent · 1-Bedroom
$2,003/mo
Source: HUD Fair Market Rent · 21 zip codes
Year-over-Year
↑ +3.1%
Source: Apartment List, HUD Fair Market Rent
Data through
The average 1-bedroom rent in Middlesex, NJ is $2,003/month according to HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent data, covering 21 ZIP codes. Rents have increased 3.1% year-over-year. The average 1-bedroom rent in Middlesex is 67% above the national average of $1,196/month.
Average rent in Middlesex, NJ ranges from $1,560 to $2,660 across 21 ZIP codes.
Based on local market data, a fair rent increase in Middlesex, NJ is approximately 3.1% for 2026. An increase above 3.1% exceeds the local market trend and may be worth negotiating.
Key Facts
Sources: Apartment List, HUD Fair Market Rent, HUD SAFMR, Rentcast. Updated February 2026.
How much is rent in Middlesex, NJ?
The average 1-bedroom rent in Middlesex, NJ is $2,003/month as of 2026, based on HUD data across 21 ZIP codes. Rents range from $1,560 to $2,660 depending on neighborhood — a $1,100/month spread. To afford this at the 30% rule, a household would need approximately $80,120/year.
Is rent going up in Middlesex?
Rents in Middlesex have increased 3.1% year over year based on local market data. This suggests a relatively stable rental market.
What is a fair rent increase in Middlesex?
Based on local market data, a rent increase around 3.1% is in line with the Middlesex market for 2026. An increase above that level exceeds the local trend and may be worth pushing back on. Check your specific increase with RenewalReply's free rent analysis tool.
Rent Trends in Middlesex
+3.1%
Rents in Middlesex are rising at +3.1% year-over-year.
⚠ Mixed signals
Market sources range from +0.9% to +12.8%
Sources: Apartment List, HUD Fair Market Rent
What Should Rent Cost in Middlesex?
Typical rent ranges based on HUD benchmarks and market data. In areas with limited listing data, ranges reflect federal benchmarks and may be wider than actual market conditions.
A studio in Middlesex typically rents for $1,827 – $1,973.
Rents above $2,269 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 1-bedroom in Middlesex typically rents for $2,003 – $2,163.
Rents above $2,487 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 2-bedroom in Middlesex typically rents for $2,514 – $2,715.
Rents above $3,122 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 3-bedroom in Middlesex typically rents for $3,016 – $3,257.
Rents above $3,746 are in the top 25% for this area.
A 4-bedroom in Middlesex typically rents for $3,341 – $3,608.
Rents above $4,149 are in the top 25% for this area.
Federal Rent Benchmarks for Middlesex
HUD Fair Market Rents are federal rent benchmarks published annually by HUD. They provide a consistent baseline for comparing rents across areas.
Studio
$1,827
HUD Fair Market Rent
1-Bedroom
$2,003
HUD Fair Market Rent
2-Bedroom
$2,514
HUD Fair Market Rent
3-Bedroom
$3,016
HUD Fair Market Rent
4-Bedroom
$3,341
HUD Fair Market Rent
Source: HUD SAFMR FY2026 · Updated
Zip Codes in Middlesex
Click any zip code for detailed rent data including zip-specific SAFMR rates, nearby comparables, and a free rent increase check.
Showing top 20 of 21 zip codes.
SAFMR rates are zip-specific. YoY from Apartment List or Zillow ZORI where available.
How Does Middlesex Compare?
Questions about rent in Middlesex
What is the average 1-bedroom rent in Middlesex, NJ?
The average 1-bedroom fair market rent in Middlesex, NJ is $2,003/month as of 2026, based on HUD rent data across 21 ZIP codes in the city. This is 67% above the national average of $1,196/month. Rents range from $1,560 to $2,660 depending on ZIP code.
What is a fair rent increase in Middlesex?
A rent increase up to about 3.1% is broadly in line with the recent market trend in Middlesex. Increases above that level are above trend and should be tested against neighborhood-level pricing and comparable rentals. The current average 1-BR rent is $2,003/month.
Are rents going up or down in Middlesex?
Rents in Middlesex have increased 3.1% year over year based on local market data. This reflects local market conditions across 21 ZIP codes in the Middlesex-Somerset-Hunterdon, NJ HUD Metro FMR Area area.
How much do rents vary across Middlesex?
1-bedroom rents across Middlesex range from $1,560 to $2,660 on this page, a $1,100/month spread. This shows that rent can vary materially across ZIP codes within the same city, reflecting neighborhood-level differences in housing stock and demand.
Can my landlord raise my rent in Middlesex?
We could not identify a city-specific rent cap for Middlesex. Landlords must still follow applicable state and local notice rules before raising rent at lease renewal. Requirements vary — check your state's landlord-tenant statute for specifics on notice periods and timing.
How much should I spend on rent in Middlesex?
The general guideline is to spend no more than 30% of your gross income on rent. With average 1-bedroom rent in Middlesex at $2,003/month, a household would need approximately $80,120/year in gross income to afford this comfortably. Many renters in high-cost areas spend above this threshold — our free tool can help you assess whether your specific rent is fair for your ZIP code.
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Renter Tools
Browse Middlesex ZIP Codes
See rent data by ZIP code in this city.
Renter Guides
- How to Negotiate a Rent Increase →
A data-driven guide with free email templates for pushing back on your landlord.
- Rent Increase Laws in New Jersey →
See notice rules, caps, and tenant protections in New Jersey.
- What Should I Pay for Rent? →
How to compare rent prices and know if you're getting a fair deal.
Market data updated monthly from public and third-party sources. Actual rents vary by unit, building, and lease terms. For informational purposes only — not legal or financial advice. See methodology →