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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Riverside is 3% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,812/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 5%
$88,575/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 7%
$542,100 ↑ 1%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 1%
$1,880/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 7%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $90/month cheaper in Riverside, saving renters about $1,080/year.

Median household income is $6,238/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 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

Riverside vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Riverside or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Jersey City?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $90/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Jersey City?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $6,238/year higher in Jersey City.
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 Riverside or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Jersey City details →

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