Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
6% cheaper
Washington is 6% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $70,370 in Washington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · District of Columbia salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Washington sits at 226 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $580,000 in Washington, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $2,300 in Washington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Washington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Washington (105). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $90,842 in Washington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Washington.
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