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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Jersey City is 8% more expensive than Santa Maria.

$1,902/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↓ 3%
$94,813/yr ↑ 12%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↓ 11%
$534,500 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$478,200 ↓ 11%
$2,006/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↓ 11%
289,691
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $60/month cheaper in Santa Maria, saving renters about $720/year.

Median household income is $10,196/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Jersey City or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Santa Maria is cheaper to live in with an index of 137 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $60/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $10,196/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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Santa Maria details →

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