Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Riverside is 21% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $59,259 in Riverside.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Riverside.
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