Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
37% cheaper
Tampa is 37% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $47,222 in Tampa.
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 Tampa sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $340,000 in Tampa, a difference of $200,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,700 in Tampa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Tampa scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Tampa (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $52,594 in Tampa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tampa.
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