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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Jersey City is 35% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,902/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 26%
$94,813/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 16%
$534,500 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 97%
$2,006/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 23%
289,691
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $493/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $5,916/year.

Median household income is $15,260/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Jersey City or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $493/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $15,260/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Costa Mesa details →

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