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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Oakland is 32% more expensive than Jersey City.

$1,917/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ≈ Same
$97,369/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↓ 3%
$924,700 ↑ 73%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 42%
$2,164/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↓ 7%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,556/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 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

Oakland vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Oakland 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 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Jersey City?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Jersey City?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $2,556/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Jersey City details →

More Comparisons

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