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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Long Beach is 14% more expensive than Jersey City.

$1,803/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 5%
$83,969/yr ↓ 11%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 13%
$762,200 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 30%
$1,890/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 6%
458,491
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $99/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $1,188/year.

Median household income is $10,844/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Long Beach or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jersey City is cheaper to live in with an index of 148 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Jersey City?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $99/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Jersey City?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $10,844/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Jersey City details →

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