Avenel, NJ vs Hackensack, NJ

Avenel, NJ and Hackensack, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.2% difference in their overall index. Avenel scores 124 while Hackensack scores 124 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Avenel is $1,839/month compared to $1,794/month in Hackensack — a 3% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Hackensack has cheaper rent, Avenel actually has lower median home values ($351,200 vs $370,300).

Median household income in Avenel is $95,935 compared to $82,212 in Hackensack (+16.7%). Avenel offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Avenel spend roughly 23% of their income on rent, less than the 26.2% in Hackensack.