Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Seattle is 32% more expensive than Jersey City.

$1,998/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↓ 5%
$121,984/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↓ 22%
$912,100 ↑ 71%
Home Value
$534,500 ↓ 41%
$2,220/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↓ 10%
741,440
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $96/month cheaper in Jersey City, saving renters about $1,152/year.

Median household income is $27,171/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Seattle 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 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Jersey City?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $96/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Jersey City?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $27,171/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New Jersey?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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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More Comparisons

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