Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
22% cheaper
Miami is 22% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $58,796 in Miami.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Miami sits at 172 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $450,000 in Miami, a difference of $90,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $2,200 in Miami.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Miami scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Miami (99). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $44,268 in Miami. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Miami.
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