Jersey City, NJ, US
NYC's sixth borough with PATH trains, waterfront views, and slightly cheaper than Manhattan.
Very High vs US Avg (100)
Very Expensive
Household income
Job market health
Jersey City vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 9.0%
- Sales Tax: 6.6%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $82,000
- Unemployment: 3.8%
- Population: 292,449
Climate
- Sunny Days: 205/year
- Summer High: 85°F
- Winter Low: 26°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $550,000
- 1BR Rent: $2400/mo
Cost of Living
Jersey City's cost of living index is 142.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Jersey City | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 142.5 | 100 | +42.5% |
| Housing | 188.4 | 100 | +88.4% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $550,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $2400/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $3,000/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $366 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Jersey City:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $155 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $71 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $90 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $371 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Jersey City scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Jersey City has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 46°F | 26°F | 2.5" |
| April | 70°F | 41°F | 2.8" |
| July | 85°F | 60°F | 1.5" |
| October | 65°F | 44°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Jersey City faces the following natural hazards:
Coastal flooding.
Severe winter storms.
Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.
Tornado risk.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 8.97%
- Sales Tax: 6.625%
- Property Tax: ~1.64% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Jersey City per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jersey City, NJ, US?
The cost of living index in Jersey City is 142.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Jersey City?
The median home price in Jersey City is $550,000. The housing index is 188.4.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Jersey City is approximately $2400/mo.
Does Jersey City, NJ have income tax?
Jersey City is in NJ, which has an income tax rate of 8.97%.
What is the climate like in Jersey City?
Jersey City enjoys approximately 205 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 85°F, while winter lows can drop to around 26°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: August 12, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.