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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Jersey City is 38% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,902/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 44%
$94,813/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 33%
$534,500 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 95%
$2,006/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 31%
289,691
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $840/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $10,080/year.

Median household income is $31,656/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Jersey City or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Cambridge?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $840/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Cambridge?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $31,656/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Cambridge details →

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