Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
39% cheaper
Mesa is 39% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $45,833 in Mesa.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Mesa sits at 98 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $350,000 in Mesa, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,350 in Mesa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jersey City scores 105 while Mesa scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Mesa (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $60,234 in Mesa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Mesa.
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