Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Salem, OR (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Salem

Oregon
105

Jersey City is 41% more expensive than Salem.

$1,902/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,323/mo ↓ 30%
$94,813/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$71,900/yr ↓ 24%
$534,500 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$382,400 ↓ 28%
$2,006/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,440/mo ↓ 28%
289,691
Population
176,666

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.9%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Salem, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $579/month cheaper in Salem, saving renters about $6,948/year.

Median household income is $22,913/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $382,400 in Salem.

Oregon has a lower income tax rate, making Salem slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Salem — common questions

Is Jersey City or Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Salem?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Salem it's $1,323/month — a difference of $579/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Salem?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $71,900 in Salem. Median household income is $22,913/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Oregon?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Salem has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,323/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Salem details →

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