Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
27% cheaper
Manchester is 27% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $54,630 in Manchester.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · New Hampshire salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Manchester sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $350,000 in Manchester, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,600 in Manchester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Manchester scores 105. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are lower than Manchester (112).
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $65,018 in Manchester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Manchester.
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