What are some affordable places to live in Central New Jersey?

I’m considering moving out next year or so. I want to start brainstorming. I have no idea how things like this work either. I don’t mean a house, but an apartment of sorts. As far west as Princeton is okay, as far east as the beach, as far south as Jackson, and as far north as Colt’s Neck/Red Bank area. Those are my limits. Please also, of course, say how much it usually costs. And I’m not sure, since I never did this before, but. . . do apartments come already with fridges and basic appliances like that?
Thanks.