Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Jersey City and Oakland have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Oakland sits at 264 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $780,000 in Oakland, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $2,700 in Oakland.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Oakland scores 109.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are lower than Oakland (113).
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $73,692 in Oakland. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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