Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Syracuse, NY (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Syracuse

New York
59

Jersey City is 151% more expensive than Syracuse.

$1,902/mo ↑ 91%
Median Rent
$998/mo ↓ 48%
$94,813/yr ↑ 107%
Median Income
$45,845/yr ↓ 52%
$534,500 ↑ 327%
Home Value
$125,100 ↓ 77%
$2,006/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$980/mo ↓ 51%
289,691
Population
146,211

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.9%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.62%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Syracuse, NY, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 59 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $904/month cheaper in Syracuse, saving renters about $10,848/year.

Median household income is $48,968/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $125,100 in Syracuse.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Syracuse — common questions

Is Jersey City or Syracuse cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Syracuse is cheaper to live in with an index of 59 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Syracuse?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Syracuse it's $998/month — a difference of $904/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Syracuse?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $45,845 in Syracuse. Median household income is $48,968/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New York?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. New York has 10.9% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 1.62% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Syracuse?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Syracuse has a cost index of 59 with rent of $998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Syracuse details →

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