Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs San Bernardino, CA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Jersey City is 36% more expensive than San Bernardino.

$1,902/mo ↑ 33%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↓ 25%
$94,813/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↓ 33%
$534,500 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$384,900 ↓ 28%
$2,006/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↓ 26%
289,691
Population
221,774

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $469/month cheaper in San Bernardino, saving renters about $5,628/year.

Median household income is $30,825/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Jersey City or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, San Bernardino is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $469/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $30,825/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View San Bernardino details →

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