Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Jersey City is 41% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,902/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 19%
$94,813/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 32%
$534,500 ↑ 64%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 39%
$2,006/mo ↑ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 30%
289,691
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $30,373/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Jersey City or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Clearwater?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $363/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Clearwater?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $30,373/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jersey City and Clearwater

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 Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville