Camden, NJ vs Hackensack, NJ

The cost of living difference between Camden, NJ and Hackensack, NJ is dramatic. Camden is 36.3% cheaper than Hackensack, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Camden has a cost index of 79 while Hackensack sits at 124, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Camden is $1,157/month compared to $1,794/month in Hackensack — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Camden is more affordable at $100,400 median vs $370,300.

Median household income in Camden is $40,450 compared to $82,212 in Hackensack (-50.8%). While Hackensack is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Camden spend roughly 34.3% of their income on rent, more than the 26.2% in Hackensack. The Hackensack ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.