Dunellen, NJ vs West Belmar, NJ

Dunellen is moderately more affordable than West Belmar, with a 11.6% lower cost of living index. Dunellen scores 115 compared to 130 for West Belmar, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of West Belmar can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Dunellen is $1,461/month compared to $1,661/month in West Belmar — a 12% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dunellen is more affordable at $380,200 median vs $490,000.

Median household income in Dunellen is $84,789 compared to $113,083 in West Belmar (-25%). While West Belmar is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dunellen spend roughly 20.7% of their income on rent, more than the 17.6% in West Belmar.