Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs New Haven, CT (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Jersey City is 56% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,902/mo ↑ 32%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 24%
$94,813/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 43%
$534,500 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 53%
$2,006/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 24%
289,691
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $460/month cheaper in New Haven, saving renters about $5,520/year.

Median household income is $41,042/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making New Haven slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs New Haven — common questions

Is Jersey City or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and New Haven?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $460/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or New Haven?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $41,042/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Connecticut?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View New Haven details →

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