Passaic, NJ vs Westfield, NJ

The cost of living difference between Passaic, NJ and Westfield, NJ is dramatic. Passaic is 37.1% cheaper than Westfield, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Passaic has a cost index of 115 while Westfield 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 $2,211/month in Westfield — a 37% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Passaic is more affordable at $406,500 median vs $930,500.

Median household income in Passaic is $56,780 compared to $212,700 in Westfield (-73.3%). While Westfield 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 12.5% in Westfield.