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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Ontario

California
152

Jersey City is 3% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,902/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ≈ Same
$94,813/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↓ 13%
$534,500 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 6%
$2,006/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↓ 2%
289,691
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,007/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Ontario — common questions

Is Jersey City or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Ontario?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Ontario?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $12,007/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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jersey City and Ontario

Jersey City vs. Lincoln Jersey City vs. Anchorage Jersey City vs. St. Louis Jersey City vs. Durham Jersey City vs. Greensboro Jersey City vs. Plano Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa