CostIndexUSA

Fresno, CA vs Jersey City, NJ Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableCA
Fresno
102.2
overall index
$1,850/mo rent
NJ
Jersey City
112.6
overall index
$3,225/mo rent

Fresno is moderately cheaper than Jersey City — 10.2% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Fresno, you would need $88,100 in Jersey City. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+55.3%
Fresno
95.7
Jersey City
148.6
🛒 Groceries+4.8%
Fresno
105.2
Jersey City
110.3
🚗 Transportation+5.5%
Fresno
105.3
Jersey City
111.1
🏥 Healthcare+5.5%
Fresno
95.3
Jersey City
100.5
Utilities21.1%
Fresno
161
Jersey City
127

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Fresno to see what you'd need to earn in Jersey City to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Jersey City, NJ
$88,100
$8,100 more needed in Jersey City

Formula: salary × (112.6 ÷ 102.2) = salary × 1.1018. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Fresno, CA

Median Home Price
$401,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,850
Housing Index
95.7
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.1×

Jersey City, NJ

Median Home Price
$703,000
Median Monthly Rent
$3,225
Housing Index
148.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.2×

Jersey City has 55.3% higher housing costs compared to Fresno.

Income & Job Market

Fresno, CA

Median Household Income
$71,100
Per Capita Income
$40,500
Unemployment Rate
7.4%
Population
542,107
Top Industries
AgricultureHealthcareGovernmentEducationManufacturing

Jersey City, NJ

Median Household Income
$95,200
Per Capita Income
$54,300
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Population
292,449
Top Industries
FinanceHealthcareTechnologyRetailGovernment

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Fresno, CA
3.2×income-to-rent ratio

69% of income left after rent (median)

Jersey City, NJ
2.5×income-to-rent ratio

59% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.