Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Jersey City is 57% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,902/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↓ 26%
$94,813/yr ↑ 68%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 40%
$534,500 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 53%
$2,006/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 26%
289,691
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $497/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $5,964/year.

Median household income is $38,229/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Jersey City or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $497/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $38,229/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Connecticut?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jersey City and Bridgeport

Jersey City vs. Lincoln Jersey City vs. Anchorage Jersey City vs. St. Louis Jersey City vs. Durham Jersey City vs. Greensboro Jersey City vs. Plano Bridgeport vs. Pomona Bridgeport vs. Rockford Bridgeport vs. Mesquite Bridgeport vs. Savannah Bridgeport vs. Pasadena Bridgeport vs. Denton