Cost of Living: Tampa, FL vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Tampa

Florida
113
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Tampa is 24% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,567/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 21%
$71,302/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 33%
$375,300 ↓ 30%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 42%
$1,553/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 29%
393,389
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.86%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $23,511/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Tampa or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tampa and Jersey City?
Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Tampa or Jersey City?
Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $23,511/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Florida and New Jersey?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Tampa or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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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