Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
36% cheaper
Provo is 36% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $48,148 in Provo.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Provo sits at 112 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $380,000 in Provo, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,300 in Provo.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jersey City scores 105 while Provo scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Provo (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $51,048 in Provo. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Provo.
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