Perth Amboy, NJ vs Summit, NJ

The cost of living difference between Perth Amboy, NJ and Summit, NJ is dramatic. Perth Amboy is 38.3% cheaper than Summit, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Perth Amboy has a cost index of 117 while Summit sits at 189, 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 Perth Amboy is $1,629/month compared to $2,308/month in Summit — a 29% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Perth Amboy is more affordable at $339,200 median vs $969,900.

Median household income in Perth Amboy is $58,490 compared to $199,107 in Summit (-70.6%). While Summit is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Perth Amboy spend roughly 33.4% of their income on rent, more than the 13.9% in Summit. The Summit ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.