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

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Tempe

Arizona
120

Jersey City is 23% more expensive than Tempe.

$1,902/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,623/mo ↓ 15%
$94,813/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$77,643/yr ↓ 18%
$534,500 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$421,900 ↓ 21%
$2,006/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,554/mo ↓ 23%
289,691
Population
186,419

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $17,170/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Tempe — common questions

Is Jersey City or Tempe cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Tempe?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Tempe?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $17,170/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 Tempe?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Tempe details →

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