Plainfield, NJ vs Toms River, NJ

Plainfield, NJ and Toms River, NJ have a very similar cost of living, with only a 0.2% difference in their overall index. Plainfield scores 122 while Toms River scores 121 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 Plainfield is $1,673/month compared to $1,678/month in Toms River — a 0% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Plainfield has cheaper rent, Toms River actually has lower median home values ($377,800 vs $383,300).

Median household income in Plainfield is $80,334 compared to $95,759 in Toms River (-16.1%). Toms River offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Plainfield spend roughly 25% of their income on rent, more than the 21% in Toms River.