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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Jersey City is 11% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,902/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 15%
$94,813/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 8%
$534,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 11%
$2,006/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 11%
289,691
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $7,508/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Jersey City or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Fairfield?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Fairfield?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $7,508/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jersey City and Fairfield

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 Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill