Garfield, NJ vs Middlesex, NJ

Middlesex is moderately more affordable than Garfield, with a 5.8% lower cost of living index. Garfield scores 126 compared to 119 for Middlesex, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Garfield can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Garfield is $1,612/month compared to $1,493/month in Middlesex — a 8% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Middlesex is more affordable at $414,600 median vs $454,300.

Median household income in Garfield is $75,701 compared to $107,063 in Middlesex (-29.3%). 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 Garfield spend roughly 25.6% of their income on rent, more than the 16.7% in Middlesex.