Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Jersey City is 27% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,902/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 20%
$94,813/yr ↓ 32%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 48%
$534,500 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 62%
$2,006/mo ↓ 17%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 20%
289,691
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $373/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $4,476/year.

Median household income is $45,347/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Arlington — common questions

Is Jersey City or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Arlington?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $373/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Arlington?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $45,347/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Virginia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Arlington details →

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