Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Jersey City is 87% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,902/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 41%
$94,813/yr ↑ 85%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 46%
$534,500 ↑ 140%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 58%
$2,006/mo ↑ 57%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 36%
289,691
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $788/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $9,456/year.

Median household income is $43,474/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Springfield slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Springfield — common questions

Is Jersey City or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Springfield?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $788/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Springfield?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $43,474/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Springfield details →

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