Perth Amboy, NJ vs Roselle, NJ

Perth Amboy, NJ and Roselle, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.7% difference in their overall index. Perth Amboy scores 117 while Roselle scores 112 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Perth Amboy is $1,629/month compared to $1,499/month in Roselle — a 9% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Roselle is more affordable at $336,500 median vs $339,200.

Median household income in Perth Amboy is $58,490 compared to $82,967 in Roselle (-29.5%). Roselle offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Perth Amboy spend roughly 33.4% of their income on rent, more than the 21.7% in Roselle. The Roselle ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.