California vs New Jersey: Which Is Better to Live In?
California ranks #47 of 50 overall and New Jersey #28 as of the latest release. They cost about the same to live in (cost of living index 110.7 vs 108.8); California carries a 0.7-point higher tax burden and has a 55% higher violent crime rate. New Jersey scores higher overall, leading 6 of 11 categories to 3.
- Violent crime rate is 55% lower in New Jersey (194 vs. 433 in California).
- Residential electricity price is 30% lower in New Jersey (22.63¢/kWh vs. 32.54¢/kWh in California).
- Property crime rate is 30% lower in New Jersey (1,250 vs. 1,792 in California).
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap -14.8 pts | 40.2#47 of 50 · D | 55.0#28 of 50 · C+ | -14.8 pts | — | NJ |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +1.9 pts (+2%) · US 100 | 110.7#50 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | +1.9 pts+2% | 100 | Even |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap -$16,193 · US -$11,758 | -$59,997#48 of 50 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | -$16,193 | -$11,758 | NJ |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$183,805 (+32%) · US $368,697 | $764,158#49 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | +$183,805+32% | $368,697 | NJ |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +0.7 pts · US 8.74% | 11%#47 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | +0.7 pts | 8.74% | NJ |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +239 (+123%) · US 328 | 433#44 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +239+123% | 328 | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap -$4,145 (-4%) · US $80,903 | $100,149#5 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$4,145-4% | $80,903 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.8 pts · US 85.62% | 87%#23 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +1.8 pts | 85.62% | CA |
| Life expectancyGap -0.3 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.3#7 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -0.3 yrs | 76.9 | Even |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -81,027 · US -33 | -100,397#50 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -81,027 | -33 | NJ |
Cost of living index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (US = 100). Left after costs from the America's Dashboard affordability engine for a family of four earning $75,000. Typical home value from Zillow Research. Tax burden from WalletHub. Violent crime from the FBI, per 100,000 residents. Income and graduation from the Census Bureau and NCES. Life expectancy from the CDC. Net households from IRS Statistics of Income. US column is the 50-state average or median.
Is California or New Jersey better to live in?
New Jersey scores higher overall: 55 to 40.2 out of 100, #28 of 50 against #47. California leads 3 of 11 categories, New Jersey leads 6, and 2 are within 3 points.
| Category | Weight | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | Gap | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy15% of scoregap -7.9 | 15% | 41.5#34 · C+ | 49.4#22 · B | -7.9 pts | NJ |
| Safety12% of scoregap -27.1 | 12% | 54.7#43 · D | 81.8#7 · A | -27.1 pts | NJ |
| Health12% of scoregap -0.5 | 12% | 77.6#5 · A+ | 78.1#4 · A+ | -0.5 pts | Even |
| Education12% of scoregap -23.1 | 12% | 51.7#37 · C | 74.8#5 · A+ | -23.1 pts | NJ |
| Affordability10% of scoregap -25.3 | 10% | 14.3#49 · F | 39.6#45 · D | -25.3 pts | NJ |
| Fiscal Health8% of scoregap +14.3 | 8% | 47.5#40 · C | 33.2#49 · F | +14.3 pts | CA |
| Growth7% of scoregap -13.6 | 7% | 6.1#50 · F | 19.7#46 · D | -13.6 pts | NJ |
| Transportation7% of scoregap +0.1 | 7% | 46.0#35 · C | 45.9#36 · C | +0.1 pts | Even |
| Livability7% of scoregap +6 | 7% | 31.7#27 · C+ | 25.7#39 · C | +6 pts | CA |
| Outdoor Access6% of scoregap +34.3 | 6% | 40.8#12 · B+ | 6.5#48 · D | +34.3 pts | CA |
| Environment4% of scoregap -12.7 | 4% | 24.7#47 · D | 37.4#31 · C+ | -12.7 pts | NJ |
Scores run 0 to 100 within each category; weight is the category's share of the composite. Grades follow rank (1–5 A+, 6–10 A, 11–18 B+, 19–26 B, 27–34 C+, 35–42 C, 43–48 D, 49–50 F). Methodology →
Is California cheaper than New Jersey?
California and New Jersey cost about the same day to day: cost of living index 110.7 vs 108.8 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 keeps $16,193 more a year in New Jersey after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes.
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +1.9 pts (+2%) · US 100 | 110.7#50 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | +1.9 pts+2% | 100 | Even |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -1 pts (-1%) · US 100 | 106.1#46 of 50 | 107.1#48 of 50 | -1 pts-1% | 100 | Even |
| Residential electricity priceGap +9.91¢ (+44%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 32.54¢/kWh#49 of 50 | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | +9.91¢+44% | 17.84¢/kWh | NJ |
| Residential natural gas priceGap +$7.80 (+55%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $22.01/Mcf#47 of 50 | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | +$7.80+55% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap +$1.22 (+38%) · US $3.32/gal | $4.42/gal#48 of 50 | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | +$1.22+38% | $3.32/gal | NJ |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$5,094 (+28%) · US $15,633 | $23,071#46 of 50 | $17,977#35 of 50 | +$5,094+28% | $15,633 | NJ |
Cost of living index and the price level for goods from the Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (US = 100). Electricity, natural gas and gasoline prices from the EIA; center-based infant care from Child Care Aware of America. Lower is ahead.
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adultearning $75,000Gap -$4,198 | +$12,129costs $62,871 | +$16,327costs $58,674 | -$4,198 | NJ |
| Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap -$5,451 | -$2,304costs $77,304 | +$3,147costs $71,854 | -$5,451 | NJ |
| Family of 4earning $75,000Gap -$16,193 | -$59,997costs $134,997 | -$43,804costs $118,804 | -$16,193 | NJ |
| Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap -$4,225 | +$14,276costs $60,724 | +$18,501costs $56,499 | -$4,225 | NJ |
Income left after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and state and local taxes for four household types earning $75,000, from the affordability engine. Negative means typical costs exceed take-home pay.
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HousingGap +$3,057 | $51,794 | $48,737 | +$3,057 | NJ |
| ChildcareGap +$10,188 | $46,142 | $35,954 | +$10,188 | NJ |
| UtilitiesGap +$92 | $5,314 | $5,222 | +$92 | Even |
| GroceriesGap -$113 | $11,950 | $12,063 | -$113 | Even |
| TransportationGap +$3,834 | $13,891 | $10,057 | +$3,834 | NJ |
| State and local taxesGap -$865 | $5,906 | $6,771 | -$865 | CA |
Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.
Which has lower taxes, California or New Jersey?
New Jersey collects a smaller share of income in state and local taxes: 10.3% vs 11%. California has high income tax, high sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack; New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack.
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +0.7 pts · US 8.74% | 11%#47 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | +0.7 pts | 8.74% | NJ |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +2.65 pts · US 5.46% | 14.4%#48 of 50 | 11.75%#47 of 50 | +2.65 pts | 5.46% | NJ |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap -1.62 pts · US 1.02% | 0.71%#15 of 50 | 2.33%#50 of 50 | -1.62 pts | 1.02% | CA |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +2.39 pts · US 6.66% | 8.99%#44 of 50 | 6.6%#21 of 50 | +2.39 pts | 6.66% | NJ |
Total tax burden (state and local taxes as a share of personal income) from WalletHub; top marginal income tax rate, effective property tax rate and combined state and local sales tax from the Tax Foundation. Lower is ahead.
Are homes more expensive in California or New Jersey?
Homes cost 32% more in California: a typical home value of $764,158 in California vs $580,353 in New Jersey. Buying the typical home takes about $197,262 of income in California and $167,639 in New Jersey; the median household earns $100,149 and $104,294.
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$183,805 (+32%) · US $368,697 | $764,158#49 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | +$183,805+32% | $368,697 | NJ |
| Home value change, one yearGap -3.5 pts · US +1.2% | +0.4%#39 of 50 | +3.9%#8 of 50 | -3.5 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$428 (+17%) · US $1,948 | $2,941#47 of 50 | $2,513#45 of 50 | +$428+17% | $1,948 | NJ |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap +$29,623 (+18%) · US $100,006 | $197,262#49 of 50 | $167,639#47 of 50 | +$29,623+18% | $100,006 | NJ |
| Home value to income ratioGap +2x (+36%) · US 4.6x | 7.6x#49 of 50 | 5.6x#41 of 50 | +2x+36% | 4.6x | NJ |
Typical home value, one-year change, largest-metro rent and income needed to buy from Zillow Research (a modeled estimate, not a median). Price-to-income ratio divides that typical home value by ACS median household income. Lower is ahead.
| CA | NJ | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment, 20% down | $3,932 | $2,986 |
| Income needed vs. median | +97% | +61% |
| Five-year change | +13.9% | +35.4% |
| Market temperature | Hot | Warm |
| Largest metro | Los Angeles | Trenton |
Income needed vs. median: how far the income required to buy the typical home sits above (+) or below (−) the state's median household income. Temperature blends price cuts, days to pending and inventory against the national market (Zillow).
Do people earn more in California or New Jersey?
New Jersey pays more: median household income $104,294 vs $100,149, with unemployment at 5.5% in California and 5.2% in New Jersey.
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeGap -$4,145 (-4%) · US $80,903 | $100,149#5 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$4,145-4% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap +0.3 pts · US 3.95% | 5.5%#50 of 50 | 5.2%#46 of 50 | +0.3 pts | 3.95% | Even |
| GDP per capitaGap +$14,550 (+20%) · US $64,333 | $88,370#4 of 50 | $73,820#9 of 50 | +$14,550+20% | $64,333 | CA |
| Real GDP growthGap +0.8 pts · US +1.91% | +2.8%#10 of 50 | +2%#24 of 50 | +0.8 pts | +1.91% | CA |
| Population growthGap -0.46 pts · US +0.51% | -0.02%#46 of 50 | +0.44%#26 of 50 | -0.46 pts | +0.51% | Even |
Median household income from the Census Bureau ACS; unemployment from BLS LAUS; GDP per capita and real GDP growth from the BEA; population growth from Census Bureau estimates.
Is California safer than New Jersey?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 433 in California (FBI). Property crime runs 1,792 and 1,250 per 100,000.
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +239 (+123%) · US 328 | 433#44 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +239+123% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +543 (+43%) · US 1,535 | 1,792#40 of 50 | 1,250#12 of 50 | +543+43% | 1,535 | NJ |
FBI state crime estimates, offenses per 100,000 residents, latest release. Florida and North Dakota use the FBI's prior-year estimate because the latest year is based on limited data. Lower is ahead.
- Yorba Linda, CA47 violent per 100K
- Clifton, NJ166 violent per 100K
Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.
Which has better schools and health, California or New Jersey?
New Jersey scores higher for education (#5 of 50 vs #37), with high school graduation rates of 87% and 85.2%. They are close on health (#5 and #4); life expectancy is 79.3 years in California and 79.6 in New Jersey.
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap -13 · US 273 | 269#36 of 50 | 282#5 of 50 | -13 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -12 · US 257 | 254#38 of 50 | 266#2 of 50 | -12 | 257 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.8 pts · US 85.62% | 87%#23 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +1.8 pts | 85.62% | CA |
| Life expectancyGap -0.3 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.3#7 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -0.3 yrs | 76.9 | Even |
| Adults with obesityGap +1.4 pts · US 34.03% | 29.1%#6 of 50 | 27.7%#4 of 50 | +1.4 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -1.8 pts · US 7.6% | 5.9%#16 of 50 | 7.7%#27 of 50 | -1.8 pts | 7.6% | CA |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +8 pts (+20%) · US 38.8 | 48#50 of 50 | 40#24 of 50 | +8 pts+20% | 38.8 | NJ |
High school graduation rate from NCES; life expectancy from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics; median air quality index from EPA AirData (lower is cleaner).
- San Ramon, CAeducation score 98
- Hoboken, NJeducation score 95.5
City education scores blend graduation rate, student-teacher ratio and per-pupil spending (NCES). State education scores combine NAEP math and reading with the graduation rate; health scores combine life expectancy, adult obesity and the uninsured rate. Education: California #37, New Jersey #5. Health: California #5, New Jersey #4.
Are more people moving from California to New Jersey, or from New Jersey to California?
4,880 households moved from California to New Jersey and 6,470 moved from New Jersey to California in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 1,590 households for California. Movers to New Jersey reported an average income of $136,941; movers to California reported $126,908. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 8,021 people (±2,510) moving from California to New Jersey and 9,653 (±2,769) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Bars show people (Census ACS, latest release, with 90% margins of error). IRS counts tax-filing households and reports the movers' average income; pairs outside a state's top ten origins and destinations are not published.
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households moving inIRSGap +145,210 (+135%) | 252,863#3 of 50 | 107,653#14 of 50 | +145,210+135% | CA |
| Households moving outIRSGap +226,237 (+178%) | 353,260#50 of 50 | 127,023#41 of 50 | +226,237+178% | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -81,027 | -100,397#50 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -81,027 | NJ |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -0.6 | -2.6#49 of 50 | -2.0#44 of 50 | -0.6 | NJ |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap -$6,667 (-7%) | $95,523#5 of 50 | $102,190#4 of 50 | -$6,667-7% | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$4,607 (-4%) | $102,120#6 of 50 | $106,727#3 of 50 | -$4,607-4% | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -1.9 | -5.8#47 of 50 | -3.9#45 of 50 | -1.9 | NJ |
Each state's total inbound and outbound households and the movers' average income from IRS Statistics of Income; net domestic migration per 1,000 residents from Census Bureau population estimates. Latest releases.
Which is better for retirees, families or remote workers, California or New Jersey?
California is the better fit for outdoor enthusiasts; New Jersey is the better fit for families, retirees, young professionals, and small business; 1 of the six lifestyle indexes are within 4 places. Each index re-weights the same 11 category scores for one kind of household.
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FamiliesGap +28 places | #48score 43.1 | #20score 69.6 | +28 places | NJ |
| RetireesGap +6 places | #49score 43.4 | #43score 52.6 | +6 places | NJ |
| Remote WorkersGap +1 places | #50score 19.5 | #49score 29.7 | +1 places | Even |
| Young ProfessionalsGap +7 places | #50score 24.3 | #43score 41.3 | +7 places | NJ |
| Small BusinessGap +4 places | #50score 26.8 | #46score 36.8 | +4 places | NJ |
| Outdoor EnthusiastsGap -4 places | #31score 36.7 | #35score 34.3 | -4 places | CA |
Rank of 50 on each lifestyle index. A state is called ahead when the ranks are at least 4 places apart.
- FamiliesNew Jersey (#20 vs #48)
- RetireesNew Jersey (#43 vs #49)
- Remote WorkersEven (#50 vs #49)
- Young ProfessionalsNew Jersey (#43 vs #50)
- Small BusinessNew Jersey (#46 vs #50)
- Outdoor EnthusiastsCalifornia (#31 vs #35)
Which cities stand out in California and New Jersey?
California has 188 tracked cities and New Jersey has 20; the largest are Los Angeles and Newark. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.
| Best for | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ |
|---|---|---|
| Largest citypopulation | Los Angeles3,857,263 people | Newark310,178 people |
| Highest composite scorecomposite score | Palo Altoscore 70.9 | Hobokenscore 74.2 |
| Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000 | Yorba Linda47 violent per 100K | Clifton166 violent per 100K |
| Cheapest citycost of living index | Mercedcost index 98.3 | Vinelandcost index 96 |
| Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20 | Santa Monicawalkability 16.3 of 20 | Union Citywalkability 15.5 of 20 |
| Cleanest airmedian air quality index, county | Santa Rosacounty median AQI 9 | New Brunswickcounty median AQI 36 |
| Best schoolsgraduation rate, % | San Ramon98% graduation rate | Hoboken95.5% graduation rate |
| Richest citymedian household income | Cupertinomedian income $234,707 | Hobokenmedian income $180,579 |
| Fastest growingpopulation growth, % | Folsom+4.1% growth | Newark+1.1% growth |
Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.
How do California and New Jersey compare on everything else?
State finances, environment, and getting around. California carries AA- credit rating and New Jersey A+.
Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable share of electricityGap +44 pts · US 29.34% | 52%#12 of 50 | 8%#42 of 50 | +44 pts | 29.34% | CA |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap +39.7 (+239%) · US 29.6 | 56.3#48 of 50 | 16.6#14 of 50 | +39.7+239% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap +38.5 pts · US 17.16% | 45.8%#7 of 50 | 7.3%#26 of 50 | +38.5 pts | 17.16% | CA |
| Mean travel time to workGap -2.2 min · US 25.2 min | 29.7 min#46 of 50 | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | -2.2 min | 25.2 min | CA |
| Commuters using public transitGap -6.4 pts · US 2.29% | 3.3%#10 of 50 | 9.7%#2 of 50 | -6.4 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +0.6 pts · US 12.28% | 14.1%#16 of 50 | 13.5%#19 of 50 | +0.6 pts | 12.28% | CA |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +0.2 pts · US 92.67% | 95%#4 of 50 | 94.8%#6 of 50 | +0.2 pts | 92.67% | Even |
Renewable share of electricity from the EIA; natural disaster risk from FEMA's National Risk Index; public land share from USGS PAD-US; mean travel time to work, transit and work-from-home shares from the Census Bureau ACS; households with a broadband subscription from the Census Bureau ACS.
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap +5 pts · US 92.7 | 85#45 of 50 | 80#48 of 50 | +5 pts | 92.7 | CA |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap +3.1 pts · US 12.39% | 8.3%#35 of 50 | 5.2%#45 of 50 | +3.1 pts | 12.39% | CA |
| Pension funded ratioGap +17 pts · US 74.3% | 72%#32 of 50 | 55%#47 of 50 | +17 pts | 74.3% | CA |
| State debt per capitaGap -$4,160 (-50%) · US $3,506 | $4,180#39 of 50 | $8,340#48 of 50 | -$4,160-50% | $3,506 | CA |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -4 pts · US +4.66% | -3.2%#50 of 50 | +0.8%#47 of 50 | -4 pts | +4.66% | NJ |
Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; California AA-, New Jersey A+), rainy-day fund and budget balance as a share of spending (Pew, NASBO), pension funded ratio (Pew) and state debt per capita (Census Bureau).
California vs New Jersey: every metric side by side
Every measure behind the category scores, with each state's rank of 50 and the US figure. California is ahead on 13 of 51, New Jersey on 28, and 10 are even.
Show all 54 metrics
| Measure | CaliforniaCA | New JerseyNJ | GapCA−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationGap +29,807,094 (+312%) · US 6.8 million | 39.4 million#1 of 50 | 9.5 million#11 of 50 | +29,807,094+312% | 6.8 million | CA |
| Median household incomeGap -$4,145 (-4%) · US $80,903 | $100,149#5 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$4,145-4% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap +0.3 pts · US 3.95% | 5.5%#50 of 50 | 5.2%#46 of 50 | +0.3 pts | 3.95% | Even |
| Population growthGap -0.46 pts · US +0.51% | -0.02%#46 of 50 | +0.44%#26 of 50 | -0.46 pts | +0.51% | Even |
| GDP per capitaGap +$14,550 (+20%) · US $64,333 | $88,370#4 of 50 | $73,820#9 of 50 | +$14,550+20% | $64,333 | CA |
| Real GDP growthGap +0.8 pts · US +1.91% | +2.8%#10 of 50 | +2%#24 of 50 | +0.8 pts | +1.91% | CA |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +239 (+123%) · US 328 | 433#44 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +239+123% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +543 (+43%) · US 1,535 | 1,792#40 of 50 | 1,250#12 of 50 | +543+43% | 1,535 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.8 pts · US 85.62% | 87%#23 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +1.8 pts | 85.62% | CA |
| NAEP math score, grade 4Gap -7 · US 237 | 233#43 of 50 | 240#10 of 50 | -7 | 237 | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap -13 · US 273 | 269#36 of 50 | 282#5 of 50 | -13 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap -10 · US 214 | 212#40 of 50 | 222#3 of 50 | -10 | 214 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -12 · US 257 | 254#38 of 50 | 266#2 of 50 | -12 | 257 | Even |
| Life expectancyGap -0.3 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.3#7 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -0.3 yrs | 76.9 | Even |
| Adults with obesityGap +1.4 pts · US 34.03% | 29.1%#6 of 50 | 27.7%#4 of 50 | +1.4 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -1.8 pts · US 7.6% | 5.9%#16 of 50 | 7.7%#27 of 50 | -1.8 pts | 7.6% | CA |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap +$183,805 (+32%) · US $368,697 | $764,158#49 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | +$183,805+32% | $368,697 | NJ |
| Home value change, one yearGap -3.5 pts · US +1.2% | +0.4%#39 of 50 | +3.9%#8 of 50 | -3.5 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$428 (+17%) · US $1,948 | $2,941#47 of 50 | $2,513#45 of 50 | +$428+17% | $1,948 | NJ |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap +$29,623 (+18%) · US $100,006 | $197,262#49 of 50 | $167,639#47 of 50 | +$29,623+18% | $100,006 | NJ |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap +1.9 pts (+2%) · US 100 | 110.7#50 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | +1.9 pts+2% | 100 | Even |
| Home value to income ratioGap +2x (+36%) · US 4.6x | 7.6x#49 of 50 | 5.6x#41 of 50 | +2x+36% | 4.6x | NJ |
| Residential electricity priceGap +9.91¢ (+44%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 32.54¢/kWh#49 of 50 | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | +9.91¢+44% | 17.84¢/kWh | NJ |
| Residential natural gas priceGap +$7.80 (+55%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $22.01/Mcf#47 of 50 | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | +$7.80+55% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap +$1.22 (+38%) · US $3.32/gal | $4.42/gal#48 of 50 | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | +$1.22+38% | $3.32/gal | NJ |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -1 pts (-1%) · US 100 | 106.1#46 of 50 | 107.1#48 of 50 | -1 pts-1% | 100 | Even |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$5,094 (+28%) · US $15,633 | $23,071#46 of 50 | $17,977#35 of 50 | +$5,094+28% | $15,633 | NJ |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +0.7 pts · US 8.74% | 11%#47 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | +0.7 pts | 8.74% | NJ |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +2.65 pts · US 5.46% | 14.4%#48 of 50 | 11.75%#47 of 50 | +2.65 pts | 5.46% | NJ |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap -1.62 pts · US 1.02% | 0.71%#15 of 50 | 2.33%#50 of 50 | -1.62 pts | 1.02% | CA |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +2.39 pts · US 6.66% | 8.99%#44 of 50 | 6.6%#21 of 50 | +2.39 pts | 6.66% | NJ |
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap +5 pts · US 92.7 | 85#45 of 50 | 80#48 of 50 | +5 pts | 92.7 | CA |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap +3.1 pts · US 12.39% | 8.3%#35 of 50 | 5.2%#45 of 50 | +3.1 pts | 12.39% | CA |
| Pension funded ratioGap +17 pts · US 74.3% | 72%#32 of 50 | 55%#47 of 50 | +17 pts | 74.3% | CA |
| State debt per capitaGap -$4,160 (-50%) · US $3,506 | $4,180#39 of 50 | $8,340#48 of 50 | -$4,160-50% | $3,506 | CA |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -4 pts · US +4.66% | -3.2%#50 of 50 | +0.8%#47 of 50 | -4 pts | +4.66% | NJ |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +8 pts (+20%) · US 38.8 | 48#50 of 50 | 40#24 of 50 | +8 pts+20% | 38.8 | NJ |
| Renewable share of electricityGap +44 pts · US 29.34% | 52%#12 of 50 | 8%#42 of 50 | +44 pts | 29.34% | CA |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap +39.7 (+239%) · US 29.6 | 56.3#48 of 50 | 16.6#14 of 50 | +39.7+239% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap +38.5 pts · US 17.16% | 45.8%#7 of 50 | 7.3%#26 of 50 | +38.5 pts | 17.16% | CA |
| Mean travel time to workGap -2.2 min · US 25.2 min | 29.7 min#46 of 50 | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | -2.2 min | 25.2 min | CA |
| Commuters using public transitGap -6.4 pts · US 2.29% | 3.3%#10 of 50 | 9.7%#2 of 50 | -6.4 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +0.6 pts · US 12.28% | 14.1%#16 of 50 | 13.5%#19 of 50 | +0.6 pts | 12.28% | CA |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap +0.2 pts · US 92.67% | 95%#4 of 50 | 94.8%#6 of 50 | +0.2 pts | 92.67% | Even |
| Households moving inIRSGap +145,210 (+135%) · US 78,682 | 252,863#3 of 50 | 107,653#14 of 50 | +145,210+135% | 78,682 | CA |
| Households moving outIRSGap +226,237 (+178%) · US 78,715 | 353,260#50 of 50 | 127,023#41 of 50 | +226,237+178% | 78,715 | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -81,027 · US -33 | -100,397#50 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -81,027 | -33 | NJ |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -0.6 · US +0.4 | -2.6#49 of 50 | -2.0#44 of 50 | -0.6 | +0.4 | NJ |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap -$6,667 (-7%) · US $77,690 | $95,523#5 of 50 | $102,190#4 of 50 | -$6,667-7% | $77,690 | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$4,607 (-4%) · US $77,024 | $102,120#6 of 50 | $106,727#3 of 50 | -$4,607-4% | $77,024 | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -1.9 · US +1.1 | -5.8#47 of 50 | -3.9#45 of 50 | -1.9 | +1.1 | NJ |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap -$16,193 · US -$11,758 | -$59,997#48 of 50 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | -$16,193 | -$11,758 | NJ |
| Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap -$4,198 · US +$31,418 | +$12,129#49 of 50 | +$16,327#47 of 50 | -$4,198 | +$31,418 | NJ |
| Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap -$4,225 · US +$35,970 | +$14,276#49 of 50 | +$18,501#47 of 50 | -$4,225 | +$35,970 | NJ |
Every metric in the registry, direction-aware: ahead means better for a resident. Ranks are among the states with data. Sources are listed at the foot of the page.
Key takeaways
What the California and New Jersey numbers say when read together.
New Jersey ranks higher overall
New Jersey leads 6 of the 11 categories to California's 3, with 2 even; California is ahead on outdoor access and fiscal health. Across all 51 measures with data on both sides, California is ahead on 13 and New Jersey on 28.
Everyday costs are about the same
The cost of living index is 110.7 in California and 108.8 in New Jersey, inside the 2-point band this site treats as even. Typical home values are $764,158 and $580,353. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$59,997 a year after typical costs in California and -$43,804 in New Jersey.
New Jersey takes a smaller share in taxes
California collects 11% of income in state and local taxes (high income tax, high sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack); New Jersey collects 10.3% (high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack).
New Jersey pays more and is safer
Median household income is $100,149 in California and $104,294 in New Jersey, with unemployment at 5.5% and 5.2%. Violent crime runs 433 per 100,000 residents in California and 194 in New Jersey.
Moves between the two run about even
8,021 people moved from California to New Jersey and 9,653 the other way, a gap inside the survey's margin of error.
New Jersey fits families and retirees better
For families, California ranks #48 of 50 and New Jersey #20; for retirees, California ranks #49 and New Jersey #43.
California vs New Jersey: frequently asked questions
Is California or New Jersey better to live in?
California ranks #47 of 50 overall and New Jersey #28 as of the latest release. They cost about the same to live in (cost of living index 110.7 vs 108.8); California carries a 0.7-point higher tax burden and has a 55% higher violent crime rate. New Jersey scores higher overall, leading 6 of 11 categories to 3.
Is California cheaper than New Jersey?
California and New Jersey cost about the same to live in: cost of living index 110.7 vs 108.8 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have -$59,997 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in California, and -$43,804 in New Jersey. The typical home value is $764,158 in California and $580,353 in New Jersey.
Which has lower taxes, California or New Jersey?
New Jersey has the lower tax burden: 10.3% of income in state and local taxes vs 11% in California. California's top income tax rate is 14.4%, its effective property tax rate 0.71% and its combined sales tax 8.99%; New Jersey's are 11.75%, 2.33% and 6.6%.
Is California safer than New Jersey?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 433 in California, per the FBI. California ranks #44 of 50 for violent crime and New Jersey #6. Property crime is 1,792 per 100,000 in California and 1,250 in New Jersey. The safest tracked cities are Yorba Linda, CA, and Clifton, NJ.
Are homes more expensive in California or New Jersey?
Homes are 32% more expensive in California: the typical home value is $764,158 in California and $580,353 in New Jersey. Buying the typical home takes about $197,262 of household income in California and $167,639 in New Jersey, against median incomes of $100,149 and $104,294.
Do people earn more in California or New Jersey?
New Jersey pays more: median household income is $104,294 vs $100,149 in California, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 5.5% in California and 5.2% in New Jersey.
Are more people moving from California to New Jersey or from New Jersey to California?
4,880 households moved from California to New Jersey and 6,470 moved from New Jersey to California in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 1,590 households for California. Movers to New Jersey reported an average income of $136,941; movers to California reported $126,908. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 8,021 people (±2,510) moving from California to New Jersey and 9,653 (±2,769) the other way, a gap inside the margin of error, so the flows are roughly balanced.
Which is better for retirees, California or New Jersey?
New Jersey is the better fit for retirees: #43 of 50 on the retiree index vs #49 for California. California has high income tax, high sales tax, with property tax in the middle of the pack; New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack. A retiree couple on $75,000 would have +$14,276 left after typical costs in California and +$18,501 in New Jersey.
Which is better for families, California or New Jersey?
New Jersey is the better fit for families: #20 of 50 on the families index vs #48 for California. Center-based infant care costs $23,071 a year in California and $17,977 in New Jersey. High school graduation rates are 87% and 85.2%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$59,997 after typical costs in California and -$43,804 in New Jersey.
Is New Jersey better than California?
Yes: New Jersey ranks higher than California overall, #28 of 50 vs #47, with a composite score of 55 to 40.2. New Jersey leads 6 of 11 categories and California leads 3, including outdoor access and fiscal health. Which is better for you depends on how you weigh cost, safety, schools, taxes and pay.
Compare a different pair
Swap either state, or jump to the matchups people open alongside California vs New Jersey.
Why this pair is featured: major moving corridor, most-searched matchup (6,470 households moved in the busier direction in the latest IRS release).