Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Durham, NC (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Jersey City is 43% more expensive than Durham.

$1,902/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 26%
$94,813/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 16%
$534,500 ↑ 50%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 34%
$2,006/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 29%
289,691
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.625%
Sales Tax
4.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $490/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $5,880/year.

Median household income is $15,579/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Durham slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Durham — common questions

Is Jersey City or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham 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 Durham?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $490/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Durham?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $15,579/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Durham details →