Median rent is 51% lower in Newark ($926/mo vs $1,902/mo). Buying is cheaper in Newark, where the median home runs $174,100 versus $534,500. Households earn more in Jersey City ($94,813 vs $58,920 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (113.0).
City A
Jersey City, NJ
City B
Newark, OH
How much would you need to earn in Newark, OH to maintain your standard of living from Jersey City, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Newark, OH
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Newark
Ohio
👥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 Newark — median rent of $926/mo versus $1,902/mo in Jersey City, a 51% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Jersey City: the median home is $534,500 versus $174,100 in Newark — 67% more expensive.
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 3.50% in Ohio, so Newark is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.63% in New Jersey and 5.75% in Ohio; Newark has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Jersey City
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.63%
Newark
Income tax: 3.50%
Sales tax: 5.75%
Air quality data is available for Jersey City (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Newark.
Pick Jersey City if you prioritize higher median household income ($94,813/yr).
Pick Newark if you prioritize cheaper rent ($926/mo median).
Pick Newark if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.50%).
Is Jersey City cheaper than Newark?
Jersey City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 113.0 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Jersey City.
How much is rent in Jersey City vs Newark?
Median rent is $1,902/mo in Jersey City, NJ and $926/mo in Newark, OH. Newark, OH has the lower rent by about 51%.
Which has higher salaries — Jersey City or Newark?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City, NJ and $58,920 in Newark, OH. 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Jersey City or Newark?
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% and Ohio's is 3.50%. Newark, OH has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Newark 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 $100,000 in Newark, OH (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