Middlesex, NJ vs Penns Grove, NJ

The cost of living difference between Middlesex, NJ and Penns Grove, NJ is dramatic. Penns Grove is 46.5% cheaper than Middlesex, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Middlesex has a cost index of 119 while Penns Grove sits at 81, 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 Middlesex is $1,493/month compared to $1,031/month in Penns Grove — a 45% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Penns Grove is more affordable at $170,100 median vs $414,600.

Median household income in Middlesex is $107,063 compared to $43,889 in Penns Grove (+143.9%). While Middlesex is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Middlesex spend roughly 16.7% of their income on rent, less than the 28.2% in Penns Grove.