Bayonne, NJ vs Lakewood, NJ

Bayonne is moderately more affordable than Lakewood, with a 11.3% lower cost of living index. Bayonne scores 124 compared to 140 for Lakewood, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Lakewood can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Bayonne is $1,593/month compared to $1,647/month in Lakewood — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Bayonne is more affordable at $446,100 median vs $618,400.

Median household income in Bayonne is $81,285 compared to $57,576 in Lakewood (+41.2%). Bayonne offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Bayonne spend roughly 23.5% of their income on rent, less than the 34.3% in Lakewood. The Bayonne ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.