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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

San Jose is 72% more expensive than Jersey City.

$2,617/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↓ 27%
$141,565/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↓ 33%
$1,187,800 ↑ 122%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 55%
$2,775/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↓ 28%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $715/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $8,580/year.

Median household income is $46,752/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 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 Jose vs Jersey City — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Jersey City?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $715/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Jersey City?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $46,752/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 Jose details → View Jersey City details →

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