Forked River, NJ vs Lebanon, NJ

Forked River, NJ and Lebanon, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.5% difference in their overall index. Forked River scores 135 while Lebanon scores 131 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 Forked River is $2,071/month compared to $1,993/month in Lebanon — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lebanon is more affordable at $377,300 median vs $404,600.

Median household income in Forked River is $87,455 compared to $108,672 in Lebanon (-19.5%). Lebanon offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Forked River spend roughly 28.4% of their income on rent, more than the 22% in Lebanon.