Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Jersey City is 40% more expensive than St. Petersburg.

$1,902/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↓ 19%
$94,813/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↓ 23%
$534,500 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 38%
$2,006/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↓ 28%
289,691
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $360/month cheaper in St. Petersburg, saving renters about $4,320/year.

Median household income is $21,695/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Jersey City or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, St. Petersburg is cheaper to live in with an index of 106 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $360/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $21,695/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View St. Petersburg details →

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