Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Atlanta is 18% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,617/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 18%
$81,938/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 16%
$420,600 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 27%
$1,695/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 18%
499,287
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Atlanta, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $12,875/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Atlanta or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Atlanta is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Jersey City?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Jersey City?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $12,875/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and New Jersey?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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