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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Modesto

California
120

Jersey City is 23% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,902/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 15%
$94,813/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 18%
$534,500 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 22%
$2,006/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 20%
289,691
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $293/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $3,516/year.

Median household income is $16,914/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Modesto — common questions

Is Jersey City or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Modesto?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $293/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Modesto?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $16,914/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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Modesto details →

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