Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Ventura, CA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Ventura

California
183

Jersey City is 19% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,902/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 10%
$94,813/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 6%
$534,500 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 46%
$2,006/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 6%
289,691
Population
109,900

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $5,594/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Ventura — common questions

Is Jersey City or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Ventura?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Ventura?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $5,594/year higher in Ventura.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Ventura details →

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