Fort Lee, NJ vs Middlesex, NJ

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Middlesex is 20% cheaper than Fort Lee. With a cost index of 119 vs 142, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Middlesex to Fort Lee should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Fort Lee is $2,255/month compared to $1,493/month in Middlesex — a 51% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Middlesex is more affordable at $414,600 median vs $422,200.

Median household income in Fort Lee is $105,535 compared to $107,063 in Middlesex (-1.4%). Middlesex offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Fort Lee spend roughly 25.6% of their income on rent, more than the 16.7% in Middlesex.