Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 34% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $49,537 in Salt Lake City.
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 Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jersey City scores 105 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Salt Lake City.
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