Long Branch, NJ vs Short Hills, NJ

The cost of living difference between Long Branch, NJ and Short Hills, NJ is dramatic. Long Branch is 50.3% cheaper than Short Hills, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Long Branch has a cost index of 135 while Short Hills sits at 271, 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 $3,259/month in Short Hills — a 47% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Long Branch is more affordable at $519,000 median vs $1,621,200.

Median household income in Long Branch is $73,381 compared to $250,001 in Short Hills (-70.6%). While Short Hills is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Long Branch spend roughly 28.5% of their income on rent, more than the 15.6% in Short Hills.