Cost of Living in Jersey City, NJ - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,281 (excluding rent), and $3,829 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,151 (excluding rent), and $6,991 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$19.87 $19.87

$14.90 $14.90

$29.80 $29.80

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$101 $101

$60.4 $60.4

$151 $151

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$13.88 $13.88

$9.91 $9.91

$14.87 $14.87

Cappuccino

$5.22 $5.22

$1.94 $1.94

$6.31 $6.31

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.40 $2.40

$1.99 $1.99

$2.98 $2.98

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.95 $1.95

$1.78 $1.78

$2.29 $2.29

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$7.12 $7.12

$5.09 $5.09

$10.18 $10.18

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$8.88 $8.88

$7.89 $7.89

$11.84 $11.84

Milk (1 liter)

$1.28 $1.28

$1.00 $1.00

$1.70 $1.70

White Bread (500g)

$3.83 $3.83

$2.80 $2.80

$5.59 $5.59

Rice (white) (1kg)

$5.10 $5.10

$1.95 $1.95

$10.76 $10.76

Eggs

$4.84 $4.84

$2.20 $2.20

$7.00 $7.00

Local Cheese (1kg)

$21.19 $21.19

$6.56 $6.56

$32.80 $32.80

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$11.95 $11.95

$8.90 $8.90

$15.57 $15.57

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$17.42 $17.42

$8.91 $8.91

$20.04 $20.04

Apples (1kg)

$5.07 $5.07

$2.05 $2.05

$6.76 $6.76

Banana (1kg)

$1.73 $1.73

$0.99 $0.99

$2.16 $2.16

Oranges (1kg)

$3.90 $3.90

$1.97 $1.97

$6.51 $6.51

Tomato (1kg)

$4.21 $4.21

$2.02 $2.02

$8.89 $8.89

Potato (1kg)

$2.81 $2.81

$1.31 $1.31

$4.37 $4.37

Onion (1kg)

$3.79 $3.79

$2.14 $2.14

$5.40 $5.40

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.41 $2.41

$1.49 $1.49

$4.97 $4.97

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.56 $2.56

$1.94 $1.94

$3.88 $3.88

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$11.87 $11.87

$10.41 $10.41

$13.07 $13.07

Wine (Bottle)

$14.77 $14.77

$7.88 $7.88

$24.62 $24.62

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.78 $1.78

$1.72 $1.72

$1.78 $1.78

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.89 $5.89

$1.85 $1.85

$7.85 $7.85

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.68 $2.68

$2.19 $2.19

$2.92 $2.92

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$94.5 $94.5

$69.7 $69.7

$199 $199

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.07 $3.07

$7.17 $7.17

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.79 $1.79

$3.84 $3.84

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$24.15 $24.15

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.92 $0.92

$0.81 $0.81

$0.96 $0.96

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$35.1K $35.1K

$24.1K $24.1K

$36.1K $36.1K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.0K $25.0K

$24.7K $24.7K

$25.9K $25.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$124 $124

$83.9 $83.9

$173 $173

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$44.86 $44.86

$34.89 $34.89

$69.8 $69.8

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$65.4 $65.4

$50.3 $50.3

$75.5 $75.5

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$79.3 $79.3

$29.71 $29.71

$99.1 $99.1

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$43.42 $43.42

$20.04 $20.04

$50.1 $50.1

Cinema Ticket

$17.23 $17.23

$13.18 $13.18

$20.27 $20.27

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$2,272 $2,272

$2,020 $2,020

$2,525 $2,525

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.3K $23.3K

$14.8K $14.8K

$29.5K $29.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$74.5 $74.5

$29.85 $29.85

$119 $119

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$62.7 $62.7

$19.80 $19.80

$74.2 $74.2

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$73.7 $73.7

$59.0 $59.0

$98.3 $98.3

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$133 $133

$59.6 $59.6

$198 $198

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$3,322 $3,322

$2,706 $2,706

$4,409 $4,409

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,438 $2,438

$1,990 $1,990

$2,687 $2,687

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$6,203 $6,203

$4,527 $4,527

$7,544 $7,544

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$3,755 $3,755

$3,058 $3,058

$4,077 $4,077

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$7,564 $7,564

$5,664 $5,664

$8,342 $8,342

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$5,458 $5,458

$5,368 $5,368

$5,947 $5,947

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$5,801 $5,801

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.62

6.19

7.5

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: January 12, 2026

Jersey City, NJ Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

103

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

345

Mbps

153

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Jersey City, NJ - Frequently Asked Questions

Looking at the big picture, Jersey City tends to be pricier than many mid-sized destinations but offers value when you compare it to nearby Manhattan. You will find a mix of upscale waterfront areas and more affordable inland pockets. Daily costs for groceries, dining out, and entertainment lean premium, but you can manage by cooking at home, using efficient transit, and choosing neighborhood amenities outside the tourist zones. The proximity to NYC adds convenience and market pressure alike. Cost of Living in Jersey City, NJ, United States varies by neighborhood, but thoughtful planning pays off. Tip: map a base area that balances access with value.

Daily life in Jersey City blends practicality with a lively, diverse scene. Housing search tends to favor neighborhoods near PATH or ferries, with a mix of rental types and lease terms. For groceries and meals, you will find a vibrant selection from markets, bodegas, and ethnic options – often at better value when you plan weekly menus. Transit is convenient: PATH, buses, and ferries keep you connected without a car. Co-working spaces, cafes, and gyms support remote work and social life. Jersey City, NJ, United States living cost can push preferences toward transit-linked areas to save time and money. Tip: choose a neighborhood near essential amenities to cut daily travel.

Quality of life in Jersey City hinges on how you blend work, leisure, and neighborhood fit. If waterfront access is your thing, you will enjoy extended outdoor seasons and park spaces, though that comes with higher home costs. If you prefer quieter streets, look toward inland districts with easier parking and steadier rhythms. For budgeting, adopt a practical framework: categorize needs (housing, transit, groceries) vs. discretionary spends (dining out, activities), and pace yourself across the month. Seasonality affects crowds and events, shaping how you shop and move. Tip: test a few different corners of town across seasons to see what feels sustainable.