Madison, NJ vs Paulsboro, NJ

The cost of living difference between Madison, NJ and Paulsboro, NJ is dramatic. Paulsboro is 127.5% cheaper than Madison, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Madison has a cost index of 180 while Paulsboro sits at 79, 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 Madison is $2,248/month compared to $970/month in Paulsboro — a 132% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Paulsboro is more affordable at $169,400 median vs $882,900.

Median household income in Madison is $168,469 compared to $68,750 in Paulsboro (+145%). While Madison is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Madison spend roughly 16% of their income on rent, less than the 16.9% in Paulsboro.