Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Jersey City is 5% more expensive than Lakewood.

$1,902/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↓ 8%
$94,813/yr ↑ 11%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↓ 10%
$534,500 ↓ 2%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 3%
$2,006/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↓ 14%
289,691
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $156/month cheaper in Lakewood, saving renters about $1,872/year.

Median household income is $9,024/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Jersey City or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakewood is cheaper to live in with an index of 141 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Lakewood?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $156/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Lakewood?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $9,024/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Colorado?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Lakewood details →

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