salaryJersey City is the 2nd-largest city in New Jersey that we track, with 294,078 residents. Rent here is among the highest 10% in the country. A typical house costs about 5.4 years of household income. Commutes are long, about 36.8 minutes each way. Most households rent (72%), so there are plenty of rental options.
How much money do I need?
To rent here comfortably, you should earn about $117,840 a year. That is $57 an hour at a full-time job.
Is rent cheaper than other New Jersey cities?
No. Rent here is more expensive than in most of New Jersey. It is number 241 of 291 cities from cheapest to most expensive.
Compare Jersey City with other big cities
Compare Jersey City to 149 other cities →
How much do households earn in Jersey City?
Share of households by yearly income. 40.6% of households earn $100,000 or more.
Rent by apartment size in Jersey City
| Size | Jersey City | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,262 | $1,338 |
| 1 bedroom | $2,158 | $1,324 |
| 2 bedrooms | $2,132 | $1,509 |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,363 | $1,698 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,622 | $2,098 |
Median monthly rent plus utilities for all renters, by number of bedrooms.
How expensive is Jersey City overall?
Everyday prices in the New York-Newark-Jersey City metro area are 13% above the U.S. average (index 112.6, U.S. = 100).
Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024.
Taxes and bills in Jersey City
Life in Jersey City
What jobs pay in Jersey City
| Job | Median pay | Rent / pay |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $208,880 | 16.9% |
| Physician Assistant | $167,650 | 21.1% |
| Software Developer | $166,830 | 21.2% |
| Nurse Practitioner | $163,340 | 21.6% |
| Operations Manager | $157,000 | 22.5% |
| Pharmacist | $141,320 | 25.0% |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $128,340 | 27.5% |
| Registered Nurse | $119,720 | 29.5% |
| Dental Hygienist | $109,720 | 32.2% |
| Civil Engineer | $107,330 | 32.9% |
| Firefighter | $106,420 | 33.2% |
| Accountant | $105,650 | 33.5% |
| Police Officer | $105,540 | 33.5% |
| Market Research Analyst | $100,520 | 35.2% |
| Elementary School Teacher | $96,900 | 36.5% |
| Electrician | $79,020 | 44.7% |
| Plumber | $78,610 | 45.0% |
| HVAC Technician | $77,990 | 45.3% |
| Licensed Practical Nurse | $75,910 | 46.6% |
| Carpenter | $74,300 | 47.6% |
| Truck Driver | $65,040 | 54.4% |
| Customer Service Representative | $49,590 | 71.3% |
| Nursing Assistant | $49,270 | 71.8% |
| Medical Assistant | $48,370 | 73.1% |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $47,610 | 74.3% |
| Restaurant Cook | $43,740 | 80.8% |
| Warehouse Worker | $43,290 | 81.7% |
| Retail Salesperson | $38,280 | 92.4% |
| Cashier | $35,950 | 98.3% |
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Jersey City?
Renting is cheaper right now: about $987 a month less.
Owning assumes a typical $566,900 home, 10% down, a 30-year loan at 6.5% and about 1.5% a year for taxes and insurance. You would also need $56,690 for the down payment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average rent in Jersey City, NJ?
Renting in Jersey City costs a median of about $2,946 a month in 2026, including utilities. The New Jersey median is $2,240.
How much do I need to make to live in Jersey City?
To keep rent under 30% of income, you need about $117,840 a year, or $57 an hour at a full-time job.
Is Jersey City cheap or expensive?
Jersey City is rated Expensive: rent takes 33.5% of the typical household income of $105,380. It ranks 241st cheapest of 291 New Jersey cities we track.
How much are property taxes in Jersey City?
The median homeowner in Jersey City pays $8,627 a year in property taxes, about 1.52% of the median home value.
Is Jersey City more expensive than the national average?
Overall prices in the metro area are 13% above the U.S. average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How much does a house cost in Jersey City?
The median home value in Jersey City is $566,900, about 5.4 times the typical yearly household income.
294,078 people live in Jersey City. Numbers are typical (middle) values.