Is Boston, MA cheaper than Jersey City, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 11.3% cheaper than Jersey City, NJ. This translates to saving $848 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Jersey City, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Jersey City, NJ, you'd need approximately $139,821.429 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Jersey City, NJ and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 31.0% cheaper than in Jersey City, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $2,625/month in Jersey City, NJ.

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

Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Boston, MA could save you approximately $848 per month, or $10179 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jersey City, NJ vs Boston, MA: 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 $848/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.8K in Boston, MA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 11.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$848

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.2K

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

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

(11% below avg)

Median Home:$961K

Jersey City, NJ

The Garden State

292K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Jersey City, NJ vs Boston, MA

Category	Jersey City, NJ	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $2,373less	31.0%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $228more	14.2%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $209less	10.3%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$716/mo	↑ $116more	19.3%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $85.94less	7.4%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$743/mo	↑ $55.76more	8.1%

Housing

↓ 31.0%

Jersey City, NJ

$7,648

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,373

less

Transportation

↑ 14.2%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,602

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$228

Other

↓ 10.3%

Jersey City, NJ

$2,034

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$209

less

All Utilities

↑ 19.3%

Jersey City, NJ

$600

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$116

Groceries

↓ 7.4%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,165

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$85.94

less

Healthcare

↑ 8.1%

Jersey City, NJ

$688

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$55.76

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,285

To$3,095

↑ $810

1 Bed

From$2,335

To$3,255

↑ $920

2 Bed

From$2,625

To$3,865

↑ $1,240

3 Bed

From$3,195

To$4,630

↑ $1,435

Jersey City, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,080–$3,680/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$2,268

Difference

Home Values

Jersey City

Boston

$637K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$525K - $1.16M

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 51% more expensive than Jersey City

Calculate payment - Jersey City Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $69.50

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$5.79

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Jersey City, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.