Hackensack, NJ vs South River, NJ

Hackensack, NJ and South River, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.1% difference in their overall index. Hackensack scores 124 while South River scores 119 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 Hackensack is $1,794/month compared to $1,599/month in South River — a 12% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while South River has cheaper rent, Hackensack actually has lower median home values ($370,300 vs $382,500).

Median household income in Hackensack is $82,212 compared to $101,853 in South River (-19.3%). South River offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Hackensack spend roughly 26.2% of their income on rent, more than the 18.8% in South River.