Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Jersey City is 10% more expensive than East Los Angeles.

$1,902/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↓ 25%
$94,813/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↓ 28%
$534,500 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 15%
$2,006/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↓ 27%
289,691
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $471/month cheaper in East Los Angeles, saving renters about $5,652/year.

Median household income is $26,435/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Jersey City or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, East Los Angeles is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $471/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $26,435/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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View East Los Angeles details →

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