Mortgage Calculator — New Jersey

Estimate your monthly mortgage payment in New Jersey. Enter your home price, down payment, interest rate, and loan term to see principal & interest, property tax, insurance, and total PITI payment.

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Homebuying Costs in New Jersey

New Jersey has the highest effective property tax rate in the nation at about 2.49%. Homeowners pay an average of over $9,000/year in property taxes. The Homestead Benefit program provides some relief for lower-income homeowners. New Jersey charges a realty transfer fee on home sales.

Cost ItemNew Jersey Estimate
Median Home Price (2026)$490,000
20% Down Payment$98,000
Loan Amount (80% LTV)$392,000
Avg. Property Tax Rate2.49% per year
Est. Monthly Property Tax~$1,016/month
Typical Homeowner Insurance$1,000–$2,000/year

Understanding Your Mortgage Payment

Your monthly payment has several components. The principal and interest (P&I) payment is fixed for the life of a fixed-rate mortgage and is determined by your loan amount, interest rate, and term. Property taxes and insurance are typically escrowed — collected monthly by your lender and paid on your behalf.

If your down payment is less than 20%, you'll also pay Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), which typically costs 0.5%–1.5% of the loan amount per year. PMI can often be removed once you reach 20% equity.

Mortgage Types Available in New Jersey

Loan TypeKey Features
30-Year FixedLowest monthly payment; most popular; predictable payment for 30 years
15-Year FixedHigher payment; pays off faster; significantly less total interest
FHA Loan3.5% down minimum; credit score 580+; requires mortgage insurance premium (MIP)
VA Loan0% down for eligible veterans; no PMI; competitive rates
USDA Loan0% down for rural eligible areas; income limits apply
Conventional20% down avoids PMI; competitive rates; flexible terms
Jumbo LoanLoan amounts above conforming limit ($806,500 in 2026); stricter requirements
ARM (Adjustable)Lower initial rate; rate adjusts after fixed period (e.g., 5/1, 7/1 ARM)

Frequently Asked Questions — Mortgages in New Jersey

The median home value in New Jersey is approximately $490,000 as of 2026. Prices vary widely by city, neighborhood, and market conditions. Use the calculator above to estimate your payment at any price point.

New Jersey has the highest effective property tax rate in the nation at about 2.49%. Homeowners pay an average of over $9,000/year in property taxes. The Homestead Benefit program provides some relief for lower-income homeowners. New Jersey charges a realty transfer fee on home sales.

A common guideline is that your monthly housing payment (PITI) should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. On a $490,000 home with 20% down at 6.75% for 30 years, the P&I payment is approximately $2,542/month. Adding taxes and insurance, you'd want a gross monthly income of at least $9,078 to stay within the 28% guideline.

Most conventional lenders in New Jersey require a minimum credit score of 620. FHA loans allow 580 with 3.5% down (or 500 with 10% down). VA and USDA loans have no official minimum but most lenders prefer 620+. A higher score (740+) qualifies you for the best rates, potentially saving tens of thousands over the loan's life.

Closing costs in New Jersey typically range from 2%–5% of the purchase price. These include lender fees (origination, underwriting), title insurance, appraisal, recording fees, prepaid items (first year of insurance, property tax escrow), and state-specific transfer taxes. On a $490,000 home, expect $14,700–$24,500 in closing costs.