Hackensack, NJ vs Summit, NJ

The cost of living difference between Hackensack, NJ and Summit, NJ is dramatic. Hackensack is 34.3% cheaper than Summit, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hackensack has a cost index of 124 while Summit sits at 189, 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 $2,308/month in Summit — a 22% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hackensack is more affordable at $370,300 median vs $969,900.

Median household income in Hackensack is $82,212 compared to $199,107 in Summit (-58.7%). While Summit 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 13.9% in Summit.