Long Branch, NJ vs Oakland, NJ

Long Branch, NJ and Oakland, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.5% difference in their overall index. Long Branch scores 135 while Oakland scores 130 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 Long Branch is $1,744/month compared to $1,462/month in Oakland — a 19% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Oakland has cheaper rent, Long Branch actually has lower median home values ($519,000 vs $567,200).

Median household income in Long Branch is $73,381 compared to $162,862 in Oakland (-54.9%). Oakland offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Long Branch spend roughly 28.5% of their income on rent, more than the 10.8% in Oakland.