N
ew Yorkers often claim they’d rather die than leave the city, yet many are moving to nearby suburbs for a cheaper lifestyle. A recent analysis shows that the price gap between living in Manhattan and the best New Jersey suburbs is surprisingly small.

    GOBankingRates compared the yearly cost of living in New York City with that of the three top suburbs identified by AreaVibes’ livability index. AreaVibes evaluates neighborhoods on crime, school quality, healthcare access, and public transit. The three New Jersey towns—Fort Lee, Ridgewood, and Highland Park—topped the list, outperforming upscale Westchester communities like Bronxville and Connecticut’s Greenwich, Westport, and Darien.

    The study found New York City’s annual living cost at $91,414. Fort Lee’s cost was only slightly higher at $92,279, yet its livability score of 88 out of 100 far eclipses the city’s 75. Ridgewood and Highland Park also earned 88, but their expenses differ markedly. Ridgewood’s cost climbs to $106,916, largely due to pricey real estate, while Highland Park’s annual cost drops to $67,129, still maintaining a strong livability rating.

    These figures confirm that suburbs can be either more or less expensive than the city, but they also reveal that some affordable areas offer superior livability. Ridgewood, located 20 miles northwest of Midtown, is celebrated for its walkability, low crime, abundant green spaces, and top‑rated public schools. Highland Park, in Middlesex County, is cheaper, walkable, close to Rutgers University, and provides easy access to high‑quality medical care.

    For city dwellers seeking savings without sacrificing quality of life, these New Jersey suburbs present compelling alternatives.