Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Jersey City, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 14.3% cheaper than Jersey City, NJ. This translates to saving $1071 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Jersey City, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Jersey City, NJ, you'd need approximately $137,142.857 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Jersey City, NJ and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 31.7% cheaper than in Jersey City, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $2,625/month in Jersey City, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Jersey City, NJ to San Diego, CA?

Moving from Jersey City, NJ to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $1071 per month, or $12857 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Jersey City, NJ vs San Diego, CA: 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 $1.1K/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.1K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 14.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,071

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.9K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$980K

Jersey City, NJ

The Garden State

292K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Jersey City, NJ vs San Diego, CA

Category	Jersey City, NJ	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $2,425less	31.7%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,892/mo	↓ $142less	7.0%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $85.94less	7.4%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$638/mo	↓ $49.57less	7.2%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$634/mo	↑ $33.88more	5.6%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $31.42less	2.0%

Housing

↓ 31.7%

Jersey City, NJ

$7,648

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,425

less

Other

↓ 7.0%

Jersey City, NJ

$2,034

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$142

less

Groceries

↓ 7.4%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,165

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$85.94

less

Healthcare

↓ 7.2%

Jersey City, NJ

$688

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$49.57

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.6%

Jersey City, NJ

$600

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$33.88

Transportation

↓ 2.0%

Jersey City, NJ

$1,602

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$31.42

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,285

To$2,565

↑ $280

1 Bed

From$2,335

To$2,755

↑ $420

2 Bed

From$2,625

To$3,360

↑ $735

3 Bed

From$3,195

To$4,475

↑ $1,280

Jersey City, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,080–$3,680/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,700

Difference

Home Values

Jersey City

San Diego

$637K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -0.8%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$525K - $1.16M

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 54% more expensive than Jersey City

Calculate payment - Jersey City Calculate payment - San Diego

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$266

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

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

San Diego, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Jersey City, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.