Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Jersey City, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 42.3% cheaper than Jersey City, NJ. This translates to saving $3170 per month.

What salary do I need in Raleigh, NC to live like I do in Jersey City, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Jersey City, NJ, you'd need approximately $111,964.286 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Jersey City, NJ and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 67.7% cheaper than in Jersey City, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,625/month in Jersey City, NJ.

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

Moving from Jersey City, NJ to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $3170 per month, or $38036 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jersey City, NJ vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $3.2K/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $112.0K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 42.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,170

Savings

Annual Impact

$38.0K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:58

Median Home:$512K

Jersey City, NJ

The Garden State

292K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Jersey City, NJ vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Jersey City, NJ	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,648/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $5,179less	67.7%
📦Other	$2,034/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $326less	16.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $318less	19.9%
🛒Groceries	$1,165/mo	$959/mo	↓ $206less	17.7%
🏥Healthcare	$688/mo	$601/mo	↓ $86.74less	12.6%
⚡All Utilities	$600/mo	$546/mo	↓ $53.55less	8.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 67.7%

Jersey City, NJ

$7,648

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$5,179

less

📦Other

↓ 16.0%

Jersey City, NJ

$2,034

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$326

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 19.9%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,602

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$318

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 17.7%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,165

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$206

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.6%

Jersey City, NJ

$688

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$86.74

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.9%

Jersey City, NJ

$600

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$53.55

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,285

To$1,570

↓ $715

1 Bed

From$2,335

To$1,640

↓ $695

2 Bed

From$2,625

To$1,800

↓ $825

3 Bed

From$3,195

To$2,255

↓ $940

Jersey City, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,080–$3,680/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$6,170

Difference

Home Values

Jersey City

Raleigh

$637K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$525K - $1.16M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 20% less expensive than Jersey City

Calculate payment - Jersey City Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $306

Per year

Monthly Difference

$25.46

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

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

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Jersey City, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.