Is Atlanta, GA cheaper than Jersey City, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Atlanta, GA is 36.9% cheaper than Jersey City, NJ. This translates to saving $2768 per month.

What salary do I need in Atlanta, GA to live like I do in Jersey City, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Jersey City, NJ, you'd need approximately $116,785.714 in Atlanta, GA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Jersey City, NJ and Atlanta, GA?

Housing in Atlanta, GA is 65.7% cheaper than in Jersey City, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,140/month in Atlanta, GA compared to $2,625/month in Jersey City, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Jersey City, NJ to Atlanta, GA?

Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Atlanta, GA could save you approximately $2768 per month, or $33214 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jersey City, NJ vs Atlanta, GA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Jersey City, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Atlanta, GA

$150.0K in your current city equals $116.8K in Atlanta, GA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 36.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,768

Savings

Annual Impact

$33.2K

Per year

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

Jersey City, NJ

Population:292K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$637K

Atlanta, GA

Population:499K

Cost Index:

(37% below avg)

Median Home:$441K

Jersey City, NJ

The Garden State

292K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Atlanta, GA

The Peach State

499K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major transportation hub
•Capital of the South
•Delta Air Lines headquarters

Major Industries

TransportationTechnologyFilm ProductionFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Jersey City, NJ vs Atlanta, GA

Category	Jersey City, NJ	Atlanta, GA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,625/mo	↓ $5,023less	65.7%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$959/mo	↓ $206less	17.7%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,448/mo	↓ $154less	9.6%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,925/mo	↓ $109less	5.3%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$589/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.4%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$585/mo	↓ $15.30less	2.6%

Housing

↓ 65.7%

Jersey City, NJ

$7,648

Atlanta, GA

$2,625

Difference

$5,023

less

Groceries

↓ 17.7%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,165

Atlanta, GA

$959

Difference

$206

less

Transportation

↓ 9.6%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,602

Atlanta, GA

$1,448

Difference

$154

less

Other

↓ 5.3%

Jersey City, NJ

$2,034

Atlanta, GA

$1,925

Difference

$109

less

Healthcare

↓ 14.4%

Jersey City, NJ

$688

Atlanta, GA

$589

Difference

$99.13

less

All Utilities

↓ 2.6%

Jersey City, NJ

$600

Atlanta, GA

$585

Difference

$15.30

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,285

To$1,865

↓ $420

1 Bed

From$2,335

To$1,950

↓ $385

2 Bed

From$2,625

To$2,140

↓ $485

3 Bed

From$3,195

To$2,565

↓ $630

Jersey City, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,080–$3,680/mo

Atlanta, GAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,110–$2,490/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Jersey City, NJ

$8,130

Monthly in Atlanta, GA

$5,607

Difference

Home Values

Jersey City

Atlanta

$637K

Median Value

$441K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -2.6%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +17.9%

$525K - $1.16M

Price Range

$202K - $1.46M

Homes in Atlanta are 31% less expensive than Jersey City

Calculate payment - Jersey City Calculate payment - Atlanta

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $1.0K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$85.17

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.7%

Rate difference

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

Atlanta, GA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Georgia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,711/month

$104.5K

Additional Tax Information

Jersey City, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Atlanta, GA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.3%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.