Median rent is 14% lower in Jersey City ($2,007/mo vs $2,322/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jersey City, where the median home runs $566,900 versus $895,000. Households earn more in Arlington ($142,114 vs $97,710 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 109.5 against 112.6 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Arlington, VA.
Cost of living verdict
Arlington is 3% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 109.5 in Arlington vs 112.6 in Jersey City (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, VA
City B
Jersey City, NJ
How much would you need to earn in Jersey City, NJ to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, VA?
Equivalent salary in Jersey City, NJ
$77,124
You'd need $2,124 more (3% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Arlington
Virginia
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Jersey City at $2,007/mo compared to $2,322/mo in Arlington (14% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Arlington: the median home is $895,000 versus $566,900 in Jersey City — 37% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Jersey City
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Arlington has cleaner air on average: 24.0 AQI (Good) compared to 46.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 109.5 vs 112.6).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize higher median household income ($142,114/yr).
Pick Jersey City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($2,007/mo median).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 24.0).
Is Arlington cheaper than Jersey City?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 109.5 versus 112.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Jersey City?
Median rent is $2,322/mo in Arlington, VA and $2,007/mo in Jersey City, NJ. Jersey City, NJ has the lower rent by about 14%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Jersey City?
Median household income is $142,114 in Arlington, VA and $97,710 in Jersey City, NJ. Arlington, VA 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?
Arlington, VA has better air quality on average: 24.0 AQI versus 46.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Jersey City?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Jersey City to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, VA is equivalent to roughly $102,832 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, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
