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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

San Diego is 33% more expensive than Jersey City.

$2,223/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↓ 14%
$104,321/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↓ 9%
$848,500 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 37%
$2,308/mo ↑ 15%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↓ 13%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $9,508/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 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

San Diego vs Jersey City — common questions

Is San Diego 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 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Jersey City?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Jersey City?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $9,508/year higher in San Diego.
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 San Diego or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 San Diego details → View Jersey City details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Diego and Jersey City

San Diego vs. San Antonio San Diego vs. Dallas San Diego vs. Philadelphia San Diego vs. San Jose San Diego vs. Phoenix San Diego vs. Austin Jersey City vs. Lincoln Jersey City vs. Anchorage Jersey City vs. St. Louis Jersey City vs. Durham Jersey City vs. Greensboro Jersey City vs. Plano