Hackensack, NJ vs Madison, NJ

The cost of living difference between Hackensack, NJ and Madison, NJ is dramatic. Hackensack is 31% cheaper than Madison, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hackensack has a cost index of 124 while Madison sits at 180, 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 Hackensack is $1,794/month compared to $2,248/month in Madison — a 20% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hackensack is more affordable at $370,300 median vs $882,900.

Median household income in Hackensack is $82,212 compared to $168,469 in Madison (-51.2%). While Madison is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hackensack spend roughly 26.2% of their income on rent, more than the 16% in Madison.