Long Branch, NJ vs Phillipsburg, NJ

The cost of living difference between Long Branch, NJ and Phillipsburg, NJ is dramatic. Phillipsburg is 61.9% cheaper than Long Branch, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Long Branch has a cost index of 135 while Phillipsburg sits at 83, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Long Branch is $1,744/month compared to $1,118/month in Phillipsburg — a 56% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Phillipsburg is more affordable at $180,700 median vs $519,000.

Median household income in Long Branch is $73,381 compared to $67,782 in Phillipsburg (+8.3%). Long Branch does offer higher incomes, but the salary premium barely offsets the higher cost of living, leaving residents with a tighter budget. Looking at affordability, residents of Long Branch spend roughly 28.5% of their income on rent, more than the 19.8% in Phillipsburg.