salaryChicago is 9% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Jersey City to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,983
$2,946
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$2,132
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$105,380
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$566,900
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
112.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$8,627
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$127
👥 People living there
2,711,226
294,078
Commute to work
33.1 min
36.8 min
College degree
44.3%
54.8%
Own their home
46%
27.9%
Below poverty line
16.8%
15.6%
Unemployment
8%
5.5%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Jersey City for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Chicago | Jersey City | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $31,200 | $47,610 | +53% in Jersey City |
| Operations Manager | $109,390 | $157,000 | +44% in Jersey City |
| Physician Assistant | $127,940 | $167,650 | +31% in Jersey City |
| Firefighter | $82,820 | $106,420 | +28% in Jersey City |
| Accountant | $82,360 | $105,650 | +28% in Jersey City |
| Lawyer | $165,660 | $208,880 | +26% in Jersey City |
| Market Research Analyst | $80,400 | $100,520 | +25% in Jersey City |
| Software Developer | $134,380 | $166,830 | +24% in Jersey City |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Chicago is about 9% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,983 a month there versus $2,946 in Jersey City.
What salary do I need in Jersey City to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $65,194 a year gives the same standard of living in Jersey City.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Jersey City?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $105,380 in Jersey City, 20% more in Jersey City.