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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Jersey City is 16% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,902/mo ↓ 4%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 4%
$94,813/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 5%
$534,500 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 43%
$2,006/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ≈ Same
289,691
Population
170,603

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
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $4,647/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Jersey City or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $4,647/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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Garden Grove details →

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