Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Scottsdale is 24% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $56,944 in Scottsdale.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Scottsdale.
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