Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Jersey City is 143% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,902/mo ↑ 100%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 50%
$94,813/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 38%
$534,500 ↑ 258%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 72%
$2,006/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 50%
289,691
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $951/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $11,412/year.

Median household income is $36,097/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Peoria — common questions

Is Jersey City or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Peoria?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $951/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Peoria?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $36,097/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Peoria details →

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