Hackensack, NJ vs Toms River, NJ

Hackensack, NJ and Toms River, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.4% difference in their overall index. Hackensack scores 124 while Toms River scores 121 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 $1,678/month in Toms River — a 7% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Toms River has cheaper rent, Hackensack actually has lower median home values ($370,300 vs $377,800).

Median household income in Hackensack is $82,212 compared to $95,759 in Toms River (-14.1%). Toms 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 21% in Toms River.