Highlands, NJ vs Kingston, NJ

Kingston is moderately more affordable than Highlands, with a 7.6% lower cost of living index. Highlands scores 128 compared to 119 for Kingston, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Highlands can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Highlands is $1,848/month compared to $1,589/month in Kingston — a 16% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Kingston is more affordable at $380,200 median vs $394,800.

Median household income in Highlands is $90,082 compared to $86,712 in Kingston (+3.9%). The higher salaries in Highlands partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Highlands spend roughly 24.6% of their income on rent, more than the 22% in Kingston.