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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Santa Rosa

California
172

Jersey City is 14% cheaper than Santa Rosa.

$1,902/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,084/mo ↑ 10%
$94,813/yr ↓ 3%
Median Income
$97,410/yr ↑ 3%
$534,500 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$685,000 ↑ 28%
$2,006/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,130/mo ↑ 6%
289,691
Population
177,216

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Santa Rosa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $2,597/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $685,000 in Santa Rosa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Santa Rosa — common questions

Is Jersey City or Santa Rosa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Santa Rosa?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Santa Rosa it's $2,084/month — a difference of $182/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Santa Rosa?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $97,410 in Santa Rosa. Median household income is $2,597/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,084/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Santa Rosa details →

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