Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
42% cheaper
Rochester is 42% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $43,519 in Rochester.
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 York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Rochester sits at 73 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $155,000 in Rochester, a difference of $385,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,000 in Rochester.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Rochester scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Rochester (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $39,728 in Rochester. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Rochester.
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