Phillipsburg, NJ vs Salem, NJ

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Salem is 16.4% cheaper than Phillipsburg. With a cost index of 72 vs 83, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Salem to Phillipsburg should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Phillipsburg is $1,118/month compared to $992/month in Salem — a 13% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Salem is more affordable at $69,300 median vs $180,700.

Median household income in Phillipsburg is $67,782 compared to $40,650 in Salem (+66.7%). While Phillipsburg is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Phillipsburg spend roughly 19.8% of their income on rent, less than the 29.3% in Salem.