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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Los Angeles is 26% more expensive than Jersey City.

$1,879/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 1%
$80,366/yr ↓ 15%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 18%
$879,500 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 39%
$2,055/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↓ 2%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,447/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 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

Los Angeles vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Los Angeles 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 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Jersey City?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $23/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Jersey City?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $14,447/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 Los Angeles or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.
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