Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Jersey City is 17% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,902/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 16%
$94,813/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↓ 12%
$534,500 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 15%
$2,006/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 13%
289,691
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $10,956/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Jersey City or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Tacoma?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $10,956/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Washington?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

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