Perth Amboy, NJ vs Trenton, NJ

The cost of living difference between Perth Amboy, NJ and Trenton, NJ is dramatic. Trenton is 40.5% cheaper than Perth Amboy, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Perth Amboy has a cost index of 117 while Trenton sits at 83, 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 $1,224/month in Trenton — a 33% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Trenton is more affordable at $122,500 median vs $339,200.

Median household income in Perth Amboy is $58,490 compared to $47,102 in Trenton (+24.2%). The higher salaries in Perth Amboy partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Perth Amboy spend roughly 33.4% of their income on rent, more than the 31.2% in Trenton. The Trenton ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.