Passaic, NJ vs Ridgewood, NJ

The cost of living difference between Passaic, NJ and Ridgewood, NJ is dramatic. Passaic is 37.1% cheaper than Ridgewood, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Passaic has a cost index of 115 while Ridgewood sits at 183, 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 Passaic is $1,392/month compared to $2,340/month in Ridgewood — a 41% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Passaic is more affordable at $406,500 median vs $882,700.

Median household income in Passaic is $56,780 compared to $217,250 in Ridgewood (-73.9%). While Ridgewood is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Passaic spend roughly 29.4% of their income on rent, more than the 12.9% in Ridgewood.