Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Jersey City is 15% more affordable than San Francisco. A $75,000 salary in San Francisco is equivalent to $63,947 in Jersey 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 · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while San Francisco sits at 327 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $1,200,000 in San Francisco, a difference of $660,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $3,400 in San Francisco.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Jersey City scores 105 while San Francisco scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are lower than San Francisco (113).
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $119,136 in San Francisco. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jersey City.
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