Long Branch, NJ vs Union City, NJ

Union City is moderately more affordable than Long Branch, with a 11.3% lower cost of living index. Long Branch scores 135 compared to 121 for Union City, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Long Branch can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Long Branch is $1,744/month compared to $1,489/month in Union City — a 17% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Union City is more affordable at $446,800 median vs $519,000.

Median household income in Long Branch is $73,381 compared to $65,369 in Union City (+12.3%). While Long Branch 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 27.3% in Union City.