Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Jersey City is 10% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,902/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ≈ Same
$94,813/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 13%
$534,500 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 33%
$2,006/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↓ 9%
289,691
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $12,559/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Jersey City or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $8/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $12,559/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Arizona?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Scottsdale details →

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