Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Jersey City is 12% more expensive than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,902/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↓ 7%
$94,813/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↓ 16%
$534,500 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$455,600 ↓ 15%
$2,006/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↓ 11%
289,691
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $126/month cheaper in Fort Lauderdale, saving renters about $1,512/year.

Median household income is $14,878/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Jersey City or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fort Lauderdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $126/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $14,878/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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