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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Jersey City is 41% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,902/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 12%
$94,813/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 14%
$534,500 ↓ 60%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 153%
$2,006/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 17%
289,691
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $225/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $2,700/year.

Median household income is $13,745/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Jersey City or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Berkeley?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $225/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Berkeley?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $13,745/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Berkeley details →

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