Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Madison, WI (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Madison

Wisconsin
103

Jersey City is 44% more expensive than Madison.

$1,902/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,364/mo ↓ 28%
$94,813/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$76,983/yr ↓ 19%
$534,500 ↑ 54%
Home Value
$346,900 ↓ 35%
$2,006/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,476/mo ↓ 26%
289,691
Population
275,568

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
7.65%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.61%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Madison, WI, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $538/month cheaper in Madison, saving renters about $6,456/year.

Median household income is $17,830/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $346,900 in Madison.

Wisconsin has a lower income tax rate, making Madison slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Madison — common questions

Is Jersey City or Madison cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Madison is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Madison?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Madison it's $1,364/month — a difference of $538/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Madison?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $76,983 in Madison. Median household income is $17,830/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Wisconsin?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Wisconsin has 7.65% income tax, 5.0% sales tax, and 1.61% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Madison?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Madison has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,364/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Madison details →

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