Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Boston is 19% more expensive than Jersey City.

$2,093/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↓ 9%
$94,755/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$94,813/yr ≈ Same
$710,400 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 25%
$2,176/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↓ 8%
663,972
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $191/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $2,292/year.

Median household income is $58/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Boston or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Jersey City?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $191/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Jersey City?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $58/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Jersey?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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.
View Boston details → View Jersey City details →

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