Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
35% cheaper
Philadelphia is 35% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $49,074 in Philadelphia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Pennsylvania salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Philadelphia sits at 107 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $240,000 in Philadelphia, a difference of $300,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,400 in Philadelphia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Philadelphia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Philadelphia (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $49,127 in Philadelphia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Philadelphia.
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