Kearny, NJ vs South River, NJ

Kearny, NJ and South River, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 4.7% difference in their overall index. Kearny scores 125 while South River scores 119 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 Kearny is $1,649/month compared to $1,599/month in South River — a 3% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: South River is more affordable at $382,500 median vs $431,700.

Median household income in Kearny is $83,212 compared to $101,853 in South River (-18.3%). South 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 Kearny spend roughly 23.8% of their income on rent, more than the 18.8% in South River.