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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Sacramento is 11% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,694/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 12%
$83,753/yr ↓ 12%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 13%
$484,600 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 10%
$1,752/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 14%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $208/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $2,496/year.

Median household income is $11,060/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 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

Sacramento vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Sacramento or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Jersey City?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $208/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Jersey City?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $11,060/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 Sacramento or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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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