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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Jersey City is 17% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,902/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ≈ Same
$94,813/yr ↑ 2%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 2%
$534,500 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 26%
$2,006/mo ↑ 26%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 21%
289,691
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,442/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Surprise — common questions

Is Jersey City or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Surprise?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Surprise?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $1,442/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Jersey City and Surprise

Jersey City vs. Lincoln Jersey City vs. Anchorage Jersey City vs. St. Louis Jersey City vs. Durham Jersey City vs. Greensboro Jersey City vs. Plano Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite