Highland Lakes, NJ vs Wanaque, NJ

Highland Lakes is moderately more affordable than Wanaque, with a 5.4% lower cost of living index. Highland Lakes scores 120 compared to 127 for Wanaque, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Wanaque 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 $1,885/month in Wanaque — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Highland Lakes is more affordable at $291,200 median vs $366,400.

Median household income in Highland Lakes is $129,500 compared to $112,326 in Wanaque (+15.3%). Highland Lakes offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Highland Lakes spend roughly 17.3% of their income on rent, less than the 20.1% in Wanaque.