Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Rochester, NY (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Rochester

New York
61

Jersey City is 143% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,902/mo ↑ 83%
Median Rent
$1,039/mo ↓ 45%
$94,813/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$46,628/yr ↓ 51%
$534,500 ↑ 343%
Home Value
$120,600 ↓ 77%
$2,006/mo ↑ 99%
Owner Costs
$1,009/mo ↓ 50%
289,691
Population
209,720

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Rochester, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $863/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $10,356/year.

Median household income is $48,185/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $120,600 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Rochester — common questions

Is Jersey City or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester 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 Rochester?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Rochester it's $1,039/month — a difference of $863/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Rochester?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $46,628 in Rochester. Median household income is $48,185/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New York?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 61 with rent of $1,039/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Rochester details →

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