Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Jersey City, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 38.6% cheaper than Jersey City, NJ. This translates to saving $2893 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Jersey City, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Jersey City, NJ, you'd need approximately $115,285.714 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Jersey City, NJ and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 63.5% cheaper than in Jersey City, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $2,625/month in Jersey City, NJ.

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

Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Phoenix, AZ could save you approximately $2893 per month, or $34714 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jersey City, NJ vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Jersey City, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.9K/month moving to Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.3K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↓ 38.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,893

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.7K

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

Median Home:$637K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:61

Median Home:$414K

Jersey City, NJ

The Garden State

292K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Jersey City, NJ vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Jersey City, NJ	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,788/mo	↓ $4,860less	63.5%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $357less	17.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$963/mo	↓ $202less	17.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,489/mo	↓ $113less	7.1%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$589/mo	↓ $99.13less	14.4%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$561/mo	↓ $38.80less	6.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 63.5%

Jersey City, NJ

$7,648

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$4,860

less

📦Other

↓ 17.5%

Jersey City, NJ

$2,034

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$357

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.3%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,165

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$202

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.1%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,602

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$113

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 14.4%

Jersey City, NJ

$688

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$99.13

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.5%

Jersey City, NJ

$600

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$38.80

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,285

To$1,390

↓ $895

1 Bed

From$2,335

To$1,510

↓ $825

2 Bed

From$2,625

To$1,750

↓ $875

3 Bed

From$3,195

To$2,330

↓ $865

Jersey City, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,080–$3,680/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$5,669

Difference

Home Values

Jersey City

Phoenix

$637K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$525K - $1.16M

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 35% less expensive than Jersey City

Calculate payment - Jersey City Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$183

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Jersey City, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.