Cost of Living in Jersey City, NJ
Population 289,691 · New Jersey · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
One of the defining characteristics of Jersey City is a long average commute — 41 minutes one way, compared to a national median of 27. The city's housing pricing is difficult to evaluate without factoring in that daily time cost.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Jersey City
The median home value in Jersey City is $534,500 — 75% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,902/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $94,813/year is 27% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. New Jersey's top state income tax rate is 10.8% and the combined sales tax is 6.6%. The climate averages highs of 63.8°F and lows of 47.1°F, with about 31.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Jersey City has a cost of living index of 163 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 63% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 40 | 43 | 51 | 63 | 73 | 82 | 87 | 85 | 78 | 66 | 55 | 45 |
| Low °F | 26 | 27 | 34 | 44 | 54 | 64 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 49 | 39 | 31 |
| Precip" | 3.42 | 2.98 | 4.13 | 3.87 | 3.97 | 4.34 | 4.66 | 4.15 | 3.82 | 3.79 | 3.33 | 4.14 |
| Snow" | 9.1 | 10.1 | 5.6 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 5.4 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ?
Jersey City has a cost index of 163 (100 = national average). It is 63% above the national average.
What is average rent in Jersey City, NJ?
The median gross rent in Jersey City is $1,902 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Jersey City?
The median home value in Jersey City is $534,500 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Jersey City?
The median household income in Jersey City is $94,813 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Jersey City, NJ?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Jersey City is 6.6%. The New Jersey state income tax top rate is 10.8%.
Is Jersey City, NJ affordable?
Jersey City is above average in cost of living, with an index of 163 — about 63% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Jersey City?
Jersey City has average high temperatures of 63.8°F and average lows of 47.1°F. Annual precipitation is 46.6". Average annual snowfall is 31.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Jersey City at a Glance
- Population
- 289,691
- Median Income
- $94,813
- Home Value
- $534,500
- Median Rent
- $1,902/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 63.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.6%
Nearby Cities
Compare Jersey City
Explore county-level cost of living data
New Jersey Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs