Carlstadt, NJ vs Madison, NJ

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Carlstadt is 28.9% cheaper than Madison. With a cost index of 128 vs 180, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Carlstadt to Madison should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Carlstadt is $1,503/month compared to $2,248/month in Madison — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Carlstadt is more affordable at $523,800 median vs $882,900.

Median household income in Carlstadt is $94,854 compared to $168,469 in Madison (-43.7%). While Madison is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Carlstadt spend roughly 19% of their income on rent, more than the 16% in Madison.