Essex Fells, NJ vs Rockaway, NJ

The cost of living difference between Essex Fells, NJ and Rockaway, NJ is dramatic. Rockaway is 88.2% cheaper than Essex Fells, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Essex Fells has a cost index of 226 while Rockaway sits at 120, 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 Essex Fells is $3,501/month compared to $1,496/month in Rockaway — a 134% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Rockaway is more affordable at $427,800 median vs $976,300.

Median household income in Essex Fells is $250,001 compared to $100,028 in Rockaway (+149.9%). While Essex Fells is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Essex Fells spend roughly 16.8% of their income on rent, less than the 17.9% in Rockaway.