Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-03-23

Trenton, New Jersey

In Trenton, New Jersey, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.88 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.43 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,297.15, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.49% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Trenton's cost-of-living index of 118 puts it above the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.88

National: $3.45

162.2%vs. 2022

Avg Rent (All)

$2,297.15

National: $1,900

87.6%vs. 2022

Grocery Inflation

2.49%

Year-over-year

Fast Food Avg

$17.35

Combo meal

3.9%YoY

Grocery Prices

Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present

Item20222023202420252026Change
Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility$1.93$2.30$2.94$4.39$2.41+24.9%
Milk (gallon)$3.64$3.86$3.74$3.81$3.89+6.9%
Ground Beef (lb)$4.15$5.15$5.46$5.68$5.85+41.0%
Bread (loaf)$2.43$3.31$3.57$3.75$3.83+57.6%
Chicken Breast (lb)$4.00$4.32$4.49$4.63$4.58+14.5%
Butter (lb)$4.68$5.24$5.61$5.78$6.01+28.4%
Bacon (lb)$6.97$7.45$7.98$8.47$8.64+24.0%
Cheddar Cheese (lb)$6.09$6.70$6.97$7.04$7.11+16.7%
Pasta (lb)$1.56$1.90$1.96$2.04$2.10+34.6%
Rice (5 lb)$4.46$5.03$5.18$5.23$5.28+18.4%
Coffee (12 oz)$9.20$10.82$11.69$12.40$12.77+38.8%
Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage$4.11$4.80$5.23$5.43$5.59+36.0%
Potatoes (5 lb)$4.25$4.41$4.54$4.72$4.91+15.5%
Apples (3 lb)$4.92$5.17$5.43$5.65$5.76+17.1%
Tomatoes (lb)$2.29$2.51$2.61$2.71$2.82+23.1%
Lettuce (head)$1.87$2.04$2.25$2.36$2.41+28.9%
Cooking Oil (48 oz)$5.95$7.29$7.95$8.27$8.35+40.3%
Yogurt (32 oz)$4.46$4.72$5.01$5.16$5.26+17.9%
Cereal (family size)$5.20$5.86$6.27$6.59$6.86+31.9%
Frozen Pizza$6.71$7.97$8.78$9.40$9.68+44.3%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$17.35

Casual Dining

$36.46

Monthly Spend

$568.58

+3.91% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $10.76

$17.35

+61.2%

Wendy's

2022: $12.14

$18.74

+54.4%

Chipotle

2022: $13.01

$19.43

+49.3%

Starbucks

2022: $5.77

$8.01

+38.8%

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