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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Santa Ana is 10% more expensive than Jersey City.

$1,975/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↓ 4%
$88,354/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 7%
$657,800 ↑ 23%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 19%
$1,965/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 2%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $6,459/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 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

Santa Ana vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Santa Ana 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 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Jersey City?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $73/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Jersey City?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $6,459/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 Santa Ana or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Jersey City details →

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