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

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Jersey

New Jersey
148

Phoenix is 39% cheaper than Jersey.

$1,458/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 30%
$77,041/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 23%
$381,900 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 40%
$1,430/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 40%
1,624,832
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Jersey, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $444/month cheaper in Phoenix, saving renters about $5,328/year.

Median household income is $17,772/year higher in Jersey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $534,500 in Jersey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Jersey — common questions

Is Phoenix or Jersey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Phoenix is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Jersey?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Jersey it's $1,902/month — a difference of $444/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Jersey?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $94,813 in Jersey. Median household income is $17,772/year higher in Jersey.
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 Phoenix or Jersey?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/mo, while Jersey 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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