Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Jersey City is 42% more expensive than Worcester.

$1,902/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↓ 26%
$94,813/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↓ 29%
$534,500 ↑ 57%
Home Value
$339,500 ↓ 36%
$2,006/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↓ 24%
289,691
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Worcester, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $27,269/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Worcester — common questions

Is Jersey City or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Worcester is cheaper to live in with an index of 104 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Worcester?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Worcester?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $27,269/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Jersey City details → View Worcester details →

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