Median rent is 31% lower in Jersey City ($1,902/mo vs $2,742/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jersey City, where the median home runs $534,500 versus $1,040,500. Households earn more in Cambridge ($126,469 vs $94,813 a year). Taken together, Cambridge is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 112.2 against 113.0 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Cambridge, MA.
Quick verdict
Cambridge is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 112.2 in Cambridge vs 113.0 in Jersey City (US average = 100)
City A
Cambridge, MA
City B
Jersey City, NJ
How much would you need to earn in Jersey City, NJ to maintain your standard of living from Cambridge, MA?
Equivalent salary in Jersey City, NJ
$75,535
You'd need $535 more (1% higher).
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
Cambridge
Massachusetts
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Jersey City — median rent of $1,902/mo versus $2,742/mo in Cambridge, a 31% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Cambridge: the median home is $1,040,500 versus $534,500 in Jersey City — 49% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% versus 10.75% in New Jersey, so Cambridge is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.25% in Massachusetts and 6.63% in New Jersey; Cambridge has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Cambridge
Income tax: 9.00%
Sales tax: 6.25%
Jersey City
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.63%
Air quality data is available for Jersey City (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Cambridge.
Pick Cambridge if you prioritize higher median household income ($126,469/yr).
Pick Jersey City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,902/mo median).
Pick Cambridge if you prioritize lower state income tax (9.00%).
Is Cambridge cheaper than Jersey City?
Cambridge is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 112.2 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Cambridge.
How much is rent in Cambridge vs Jersey City?
Median rent is $2,742/mo in Cambridge, MA and $1,902/mo in Jersey City, NJ. Jersey City, NJ has the lower rent by about 31%.
Which has higher salaries — Cambridge or Jersey City?
Median household income is $126,469 in Cambridge, MA and $94,813 in Jersey City, NJ. Cambridge, MA 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Cambridge or Jersey City?
Massachusetts's top income tax rate is 9.00% and New Jersey's is 10.75%. Cambridge, MA has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Jersey City to match my Cambridge income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Cambridge, MA is equivalent to roughly $100,713 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