Highlands, NJ vs Somerville, NJ

Highlands, NJ and Somerville, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 1.8% difference in their overall index. Highlands scores 128 while Somerville scores 126 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 Highlands is $1,848/month compared to $1,748/month in Somerville — a 6% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Somerville has cheaper rent, Highlands actually has lower median home values ($394,800 vs $403,600).

Median household income in Highlands is $90,082 compared to $103,869 in Somerville (-13.3%). Somerville offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Highlands spend roughly 24.6% of their income on rent, more than the 20.2% in Somerville.