Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Fresno is 32% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,324/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 44%
$66,804/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 42%
$348,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 53%
$1,391/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 44%
543,615
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $578/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $6,936/year.

Median household income is $28,009/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Jersey City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Fresno or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Jersey City?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $578/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Jersey City?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $28,009/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Jersey City details →

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