Median rent is 11% lower in Jersey City ($1,902/mo vs $2,148/mo). Buying is cheaper in Plantation, where the median home runs $447,700 versus $534,500. Households earn more in Jersey City ($94,813 vs $87,077 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (113.0).
City A
Jersey City, NJ
City B
Plantation, FL
How much would you need to earn in Plantation, FL to maintain your standard of living from Jersey City, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Plantation, FL
$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
Plantation
Florida
👥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 $2,148/mo in Plantation (11% gap). Median home values are within 16% of each other: $534,500 in Jersey City and $447,700 in Plantation.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Florida has no state income tax, while New Jersey tops out at 10.75% — giving Plantation a clear advantage for high earners. Sales tax is 6.63% in New Jersey and 6.00% in Florida; Plantation has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Jersey City
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.63%
Plantation
Income tax: None
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Jersey City (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Plantation.
Pick Jersey City if you prioritize higher median household income ($94,813/yr).
Pick Jersey City if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,902/mo median).
Pick Plantation if you prioritize no state income tax.
Is Jersey City cheaper than Plantation?
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 Plantation?
Median rent is $1,902/mo in Jersey City, NJ and $2,148/mo in Plantation, FL. Jersey City, NJ has the lower rent by about 11%.
Which has higher salaries — Jersey City or Plantation?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City, NJ and $87,077 in Plantation, FL. 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 Plantation?
Florida has no state income tax. New Jersey has a top rate of 10.75%.
What salary do I need in Plantation 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 Plantation, FL (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