Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Santa Clara, CA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Jersey City is 52% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,902/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 57%
$94,813/yr ↓ 45%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 83%
$534,500 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 186%
$2,006/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 52%
289,691
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,083/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $12,996/year.

Median household income is $78,857/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Jersey City or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,083/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $78,857/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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