Hoboken vs. Brooklyn: Which Is Better to Live In?

Are you looking to settle down in a new area that’s close to Manhattan, but still offers plenty of personality and perks of its own? You may have considered staying in NYC just moving to a different borough such as Brooklyn or investigating areas in Northern New Jersey such as Hoboken , and there’s a large debate in regards to which area is better to live in. But where are you really better off?

There are many factors to consider when deciding between Hoboken or Brooklyn. For one, it’s 14.5% more expensive to live in Brooklyn compared to Hoboken when you compare the cost of things such as housing and taxes. Yet, both areas offer a 10-minute train ride into the city, which is a plus.

In this article, we’ll be going in depth into topics such as what you should know before moving into each of these areas, as well as how they compare to each other in terms of cost, nightlife, and transportation. If you’re interested in learning more, keep on reading.

Comparing the Cost Between Hoboken and Brooklyn

As we stated above, it does cost more to live in Brooklyn compared to Hoboken. This is the case due to many different factors that vary from taxes to housing. Below, we’ll go more in depth into the cost of different elements within both of these cities and how they differ.

Housing Costs

When it comes to the amount of tax residents in both cities pay, the numbers vary. Housing is 10.4% more expensive in Brooklyn, as opposed to Hoboken. This is something you’ll want to consider before making a choice

With Hoboken only consisting of 1.28 square miles, the amount spent on housing in that area stays relatively the same. As for Brooklyn, which is made up of 69.5 square miles, housing costs can vary depending on where you are in the city. For example, the average cost per square foot in Hoboken is $838, while the average cost per square foot in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn is $1,132.

That being said, Brooklyn is still known for its high housing costs, so that’s definitely something to be mindful of when looking into properties in both of these areas.

Differences in Taxes

If you choose to live in Brooklyn, you’ll be forced to pay New York State tax, which can be on the more expensive side. NYC residents pay a 3% local tax, which is a tax those living in Brooklyn will have to pay.

Not only are the properties, as well as the cost of living more expensive in Brooklyn, but residents will also have to figure in the local tax as well. While properties in Hoboken aren’t necessarily cheap, you’re bound to save some money when you opt out of paying NYC taxes.

This is another factor that’s important to consider when looking into both of these areas. While some may really want to live within one of the New York boroughs, or potentially hold a stigma around living in Jersey, you may want to seriously consider Hoboken if you’re looking to skip on the local NYC tax.

What Transportation Looks Like

No matter what your go-to form of travel looks like, you should look into both of these areas to assess how easy they are for your preferred form of travel.

Questions such as “How easy is it to drive around these areas/ find parking?” or “What’s the best way to get into the city?” are some common questions many new residents may have. Below, we’ll explore each area and how easy it is to travel, whether you’re walking, driving, or taking the train.

Transportation in Brooklyn

Driving throughout Brooklyn isn’t too difficult, as a large amount of traffic makes it so everyone is driving quite slowly the entire time. Many locals have noted that the most difficult part of using their car as their sole means of transportation in Brooklyn is the lack of parking.

This can definitely become a challenge and an annoyance to some, so that’s another factor to be mindful of. Brooklyn is very walkable thankfully, as most areas of New York are if that’s your preferred way of travel.

As for taking the train, the L train offers a direct line from Brooklyn to Manhattan if you’re looking to get there quickly. That train will take about 25 minutes to reach the city, which is a fairly quick commute.

As you can see, there are multiple forms of travel that are doable if you plan on living in Brooklyn. No matter how you plan on traveling and commuting on an everyday basis, there are plenty of options for you.

Transportation in Hoboken

Similar to Brooklyn, the driving situation in Hoboken is relatively the same. While driving is slow and crowded, the lack of parking can be difficult on residents and visitors alike. It is important to note that if you plan on parking your car anywhere in Hoboken you’ll need a parking permit.

Walking is very doable in Hoboken, with lots of sights and sounds to see on the way. It’s also a very bike-friendly city, which is a plus if that’s your preferred means of travel.

If you’re looking to commute from this area to Manhattan, the PATH train is your go-to, and will only take about 30 minutes to get into the city. This is around the same time that it takes Brooklyn residents to get into the city, so travel time remains the same here.

As you can see, no matter how you choose to get around, both of these areas have plenty of options available for you. As for driving, both cities are heavy in traffic and can be scarce on parking, so it’s important to be mindful of that.

As for traveling to the city, around 23-30 commute time is what you’re looking at if you plan on traveling by train. Both Hoboken and Brooklyn are also walk- and bike-friendly, which is another plus if you’re looking to head outdoors and get some fresh air.

What Entertainment/Nightlife Do These Areas Offer?

While these areas may differ in size, they both have plenty to offer in terms of entertainment. Below, we’ll explore each area and mention some popular spots, as well as some hidden gems that you can find along the way.

What to Do in Hoboken

While Hoboken may be small, it has plenty to offer in terms of things to do. Since this city is so close to the Hudson River, activities on the water, such as paddle boarding at Pier 13 are very popular for both locals and visitors alike.

If you’re on the lookout for great food with an even better view, Hoboken is home to the famous Blue Eyes Restaurant, which offers a front row seat of the Manhattan skyline. This Italian restaurant is also known for its dessert, so don’t forget to try it.

Looking for more indoor friendly activities? There are plenty of museums in Hoboken that showcase different avenues such as art, fashion, and even the architectural history of Hoboken. Clearly, there’s plenty to do in this city, so you’ll never have to commute into Manhattan on the weekends to have some fun.

What to Do in Brooklyn

Being one of the biggest boroughs in NYC, there is plenty to see and explore within Brooklyn.

Looking for the ideal summer destination? Head to Coney Island, one of New York’s hottest attractions. The beach and the boardwalk are open all year round, and you can find it in the southwestern part of Brooklyn.

As for the food scene, you’ll learn quickly that there’s no need to commute to Manhattan to find good eats, as there is plenty to choose from in Brooklyn. If you’re looking for a delicious pizza place, Juliana’s is located in Brooklyn Heights and rules the pizza scene hands down.

Looking to soak up the sun and bask in the beauty that Brooklyn has to offer? Head to the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, which offers 52 acres of natural beauty.

Conclusion

In this article, we discussed multiple factors that go into living in either Hoboken or Brooklyn. So which is better to live in?

We discussed many elements in regards to both these cities that may help future residents decide which is the best choice for them. While one city may not be better to live in than the other, you know you have all the tools and knowledge you need to make the right choice for you.

Major City Life