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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Newark is 32% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,330/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 43%
$48,416/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 96%
$337,800 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 58%
$1,419/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 41%
307,188
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $572/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $6,864/year.

Median household income is $46,397/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Newark or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Jersey City?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $572/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Jersey City?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $46,397/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New Jersey?
Both cities are in New Jersey and share the same state tax rates: 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Jersey City details →

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