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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Huntington Beach

California
227

Jersey City is 35% cheaper than Huntington Beach.

$1,902/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$2,424/mo ↑ 27%
$94,813/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$119,885/yr ↑ 26%
$534,500 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$1,047,300 ↑ 96%
$2,006/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,436/mo ↑ 21%
289,691
Population
196,010

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Huntington Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 227 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $522/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $6,264/year.

Median household income is $25,072/year higher in Huntington Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $1,047,300 in Huntington Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Huntington Beach — common questions

Is Jersey City or Huntington Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Huntington Beach?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Huntington Beach it's $2,424/month — a difference of $522/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Huntington Beach?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $119,885 in Huntington Beach. Median household income is $25,072/year higher in Huntington Beach.
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 Huntington Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with rent of $2,424/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Huntington Beach details →

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