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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

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You'd spend $5.9K/month more in Jersey City, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $220.5K in Jersey City, NJ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area
Overall Cost
78.3%
More expensive
Monthly Impact
$5,871
Extra cost
Annual Impact
$70.5K
Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$188K

Jersey City, NJ

Population:292K
Cost Index:
178
(78% above avg)
Median Home:$637K

Buffalo, NY

The Empire State

275K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 275K residents.

Jersey City, NJ

The Garden State

292K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 292K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Buffalo, NY vs Jersey City, NJ

Housing
300.1%
Buffalo, NY
$1,911
Jersey City, NJ
$7,648
Difference
$5,737
more
Other
13.7%
Buffalo, NY
$1,789
Jersey City, NJ
$2,034
Difference
$245
more
Groceries
12.1%
Buffalo, NY
$1,039
Jersey City, NJ
$1,165
Difference
$126
more
Healthcare
21.8%
Buffalo, NY
$565
Jersey City, NJ
$688
Difference
$123
more
All Utilities
20.5%
Buffalo, NY
$498
Jersey City, NJ
$600
Difference
$102
more
Transportation
2.1%
Buffalo, NY
$1,570
Jersey City, NJ
$1,602
Difference
$32.52
more

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$1,212
To$2,285
$1,073
1 Bed
From$1,253
To$2,335
$1,082
2 Bed
From$1,477
To$2,625
$1,148
3 Bed
From$1,804
To$3,195
$1,391
Buffalo, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $970$1,620/mo

Jersey City, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,080$3,680/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,372
Monthly in Buffalo, NY
$13,737
Monthly in Jersey City, NJ
$6,365
Difference

Home Values

Buffalo
Jersey City
$188K
Median Value
$637K
↑ +2.5%
YoY Change
↓ -0.8%
↑ +37.7%
5-Year Change
↑ +14.6%
$108K - $558K
Price Range
$525K - $1.16M

Homes in Jersey City are 239% more expensive than Buffalo

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$2.1K
Per year
Monthly Difference
$176
More take-home
Effective Rate Diff
1.4%
Rate difference

Buffalo, NY

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
New York State Tax
Effective: 6.4%
$9.5K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 31.0%
$46.6K
Take-Home Pay
$8,620/month
$103.4K

Jersey City, NJ

Federal Income Tax
Effective: 18.9%
$25.5K
New Jersey State Tax
Effective: 5.0%
$7.4K
FICA Taxes
Social Security + Medicare
$11.5K
Total Taxes
Effective: 29.6%
$44.4K
Take-Home Pay
$8,796/month
$105.6K

Additional Tax Information

Buffalo, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%
Property Tax:1.2%

Jersey City, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%
Property Tax:2.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.

Environment

Buffalo
Jersey City
54 Moderate
Air Quality
41 Good
37.2%
Good Air Days
71.3%
98 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌅🌡
+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
11 days
Heat Days >95°F
12 days
+3.3°F
2050 Outlook
+2.8°F
11 days
Heat Days >95°F
12 days

💰 See how taxes change too — compare take-home pay between New York and New Jersey on TaxTakeHome.com

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