Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Syracuse is 43% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $42,593 in Syracuse.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · New York salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Syracuse sits at 69 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $140,000 in Syracuse, a difference of $400,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $950 in Syracuse.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Syracuse scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Syracuse (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $36,708 in Syracuse. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Syracuse.
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