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

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Philadelphia is 43% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,323/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 44%
$60,698/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 56%
$232,400 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 130%
$1,233/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 63%
1,582,432
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $579/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $6,948/year.

Median household income is $34,115/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Jersey City?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $579/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Jersey City?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $34,115/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New Jersey?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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