Dover, NJ vs Hackensack, NJ

Dover, NJ and Hackensack, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.8% difference in their overall index. Dover scores 121 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 Dover is $1,743/month compared to $1,794/month in Hackensack — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dover is more affordable at $347,100 median vs $370,300.

Median household income in Dover is $70,519 compared to $82,212 in Hackensack (-14.2%). 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 Dover spend roughly 29.7% of their income on rent, more than the 26.2% in Hackensack.