Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
38% cheaper
Phoenix is 38% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $46,296 in Phoenix.
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 Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $190,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jersey City scores 105 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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