Fair Lawn, NJ vs Middlesex, NJ

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Middlesex is 18.8% cheaper than Fair Lawn. With a cost index of 119 vs 141, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Middlesex to Fair Lawn should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fair Lawn is $1,908/month compared to $1,493/month in Middlesex — a 28% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Middlesex is more affordable at $414,600 median vs $532,700.

Median household income in Fair Lawn is $147,952 compared to $107,063 in Middlesex (+38.2%). While Fair Lawn is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Fair Lawn spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, less than the 16.7% in Middlesex.