Median rent is 9% lower in Jersey City ($1,902/mo vs $2,082/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jersey City, where the median home runs $534,500 versus $771,700. Households earn more in Jersey City ($94,813 vs $90,583 a year). Taken together, Jersey City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 113.0 against 113.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Jersey City, NJ.
City A
Anaheim, CA
City B
Jersey City, NJ
How much would you need to earn in Jersey City, NJ to maintain your standard of living from Anaheim, CA?
Equivalent salary in Jersey City, NJ
$74,788
You could earn $212 less (0% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Anaheim
California
Jersey City
New Jersey
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Jersey City at $1,902/mo compared to $2,082/mo in Anaheim (9% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Anaheim: the median home is $771,700 versus $534,500 in Jersey City — 31% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 10.75% in New Jersey, so Jersey City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 6.63% in New Jersey; Jersey City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Anaheim
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Jersey City
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.63%
Jersey City has cleaner air on average: 61.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 80.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Jersey City if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 61.0).
Pick Jersey City if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.75%).
Is Anaheim cheaper than Jersey City?
Jersey City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 113.0 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Jersey City.
How much is rent in Anaheim vs Jersey City?
Median rent is $2,082/mo in Anaheim, CA and $1,902/mo in Jersey City, NJ. Jersey City, NJ has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Anaheim or Jersey City?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim, CA and $94,813 in Jersey City, NJ. Jersey City, NJ has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Jersey City, NJ has better air quality on average: 61.0 AQI versus 80.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Anaheim or Jersey City?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and New Jersey's is 10.75%. Jersey City, NJ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Jersey City to match my Anaheim income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Anaheim, CA is equivalent to roughly $99,717 in Jersey City, NJ (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology