Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Port St. Lucie, FL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Port St. Lucie

Florida
113

Jersey City is 31% more expensive than Port St. Lucie.

$1,902/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,781/mo ↓ 6%
$94,813/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$78,137/yr ↓ 18%
$534,500 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$327,700 ↓ 39%
$2,006/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,507/mo ↓ 25%
289,691
Population
220,453

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Port St. Lucie, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $121/month cheaper in Port St. Lucie, saving renters about $1,452/year.

Median household income is $16,676/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $327,700 in Port St. Lucie.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Port St. Lucie residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Port St. Lucie — common questions

Is Jersey City or Port St. Lucie cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Port St. Lucie is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Port St. Lucie?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Port St. Lucie it's $1,781/month — a difference of $121/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Port St. Lucie?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $78,137 in Port St. Lucie. Median household income is $16,676/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Port St. Lucie?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Port St. Lucie has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,781/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Port St. Lucie details →

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