Median rent is 20% lower in Jersey City ($1,902/mo vs $2,377/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jersey City, where the median home runs $534,500 versus $661,500. Households earn more in Long Beach ($130,795 vs $94,813 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 Long Beach, NY.
City A
Jersey City, NJ
City B
Long Beach, NY
How much would you need to earn in Long Beach, NY to maintain your standard of living from Jersey City, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Long Beach, NY
$75,213
You'd need $213 more (0% 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
Jersey City
New Jersey
Long Beach
New York
👥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 $2,377/mo in Long Beach (20% gap). Median home values are within 19% of each other: $534,500 in Jersey City and $661,500 in Long Beach.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% versus 10.90% in New York, so Jersey City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.63% in New Jersey and 4.00% in New York; Long Beach has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Jersey City
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.63%
Long Beach
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Jersey City (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Long Beach.
Pick Long Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($130,795/yr).
Pick Jersey City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,902/mo median).
Pick Jersey City if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.75%).
Is Jersey City cheaper than Long Beach?
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 Jersey City vs Long Beach?
Median rent is $1,902/mo in Jersey City, NJ and $2,377/mo in Long Beach, NY. Jersey City, NJ has the lower rent by about 20%.
Which has higher salaries — Jersey City or Long Beach?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City, NJ and $130,795 in Long Beach, NY. Long Beach, NY 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 — Jersey City or Long Beach?
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% and New York's is 10.90%. Jersey City, NJ has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Long Beach to match my Jersey City income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Jersey City, NJ is equivalent to roughly $100,284 in Long Beach, NY (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