Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Jersey City and San Diego 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 San Diego sits at 248 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $800,000 in San Diego, a difference of $260,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $2,500 in San Diego.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while San Diego scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are lower than San Diego (107). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $79,646 in San Diego. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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