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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Downey

California
169

Jersey City is 12% cheaper than Downey.

$1,902/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ≈ Same
$94,813/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↓ 8%
$534,500 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 36%
$2,006/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ≈ Same
289,691
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $7,413/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Downey — common questions

Is Jersey City or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Downey?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $10/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Downey?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $7,413/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Downey details →

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