Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Jersey City is 26% more expensive than Salt Lake City.

$1,902/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↓ 29%
$94,813/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↓ 21%
$534,500 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$495,700 ↓ 7%
$2,006/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 31%
289,691
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $19,888/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Jersey City or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $19,888/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Utah?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Salt Lake City details →

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