Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Sarasota is 31% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $51,852 in Sarasota.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Sarasota sits at 132 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $380,000 in Sarasota, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,800 in Sarasota.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Sarasota scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Sarasota (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $52,147 in Sarasota. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sarasota.
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