Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Providence, RI (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Providence

Rhode Island
99

Jersey City is 49% more expensive than Providence.

$1,902/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,333/mo ↓ 30%
$94,813/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$66,772/yr ↓ 30%
$534,500 ↑ 66%
Home Value
$322,800 ↓ 40%
$2,006/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,467/mo ↓ 27%
289,691
Population
190,214

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.99%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Providence, RI, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $569/month cheaper in Providence, saving renters about $6,828/year.

Median household income is $28,041/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $322,800 in Providence.

Rhode Island has a lower income tax rate, making Providence slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Providence — common questions

Is Jersey City or Providence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Providence is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Providence?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Providence it's $1,333/month — a difference of $569/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Providence?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $66,772 in Providence. Median household income is $28,041/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Rhode Island?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Rhode Island has 5.99% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Providence?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Providence has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,333/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Providence details →

More Comparisons

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