Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Mesa is 28% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,478/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 29%
$78,779/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 20%
$364,300 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 47%
$1,404/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 43%
507,478
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $424/month cheaper in Mesa, saving renters about $5,088/year.

Median household income is $16,034/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Mesa or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Jersey City?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $424/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Jersey City?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $16,034/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Jersey?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Jersey City details →

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