Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Newark is 25% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $56,019 in Newark.
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 Jersey salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Newark sits at 149 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $340,000 in Newark, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,400 in Newark.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Newark scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Newark (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $40,014 in Newark. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Newark.
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