Highland Lakes, NJ vs Ringwood, NJ

Highland Lakes is moderately more affordable than Ringwood, with a 10.4% lower cost of living index. Highland Lakes scores 120 compared to 134 for Ringwood, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Ringwood can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Highland Lakes is $1,862/month compared to $1,934/month in Ringwood — a 4% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Highland Lakes is more affordable at $291,200 median vs $434,800.

Median household income in Highland Lakes is $129,500 compared to $142,529 in Ringwood (-9.1%). The higher salaries in Ringwood partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Highland Lakes spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, more than the 16.3% in Ringwood.