Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Jersey City is 48% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,902/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 31%
$94,813/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 33%
$534,500 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 34%
$2,006/mo ↑ 46%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 32%
289,691
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $591/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $7,092/year.

Median household income is $30,913/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Jersey City or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Wilmington?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $591/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Wilmington?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $30,913/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Wilmington details →

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