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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Glendale

California
214

Jersey City is 31% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,902/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 10%
$94,813/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↓ 11%
$534,500 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 95%
$2,006/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 10%
289,691
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $10,551/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Glendale — common questions

Is Jersey City or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Glendale?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Glendale?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $10,551/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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Glendale details →

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