New York vs New Jersey: Which Is Better to Live In?
New York ranks #29 of 50 overall and New Jersey #28 as of the latest release. They cost about the same to live in (cost of living index 107.9 vs 108.8); New York carries a 3.3-point higher tax burden. Overall they are 0.1 points apart, too close to call: New York leads 5 of 11 categories, New Jersey leads 4.
- Violent crime rate is 47% lower in New Jersey (194 vs. 368 in New York).
- Typical rent, largest metro is 30% lower in New Jersey ($2,513 vs. $3,615 in New York).
- Total tax burden is 24% lower in New Jersey (10.3% vs. 13.56% in New York).
| Measure | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap -0.1 pts | 54.9#29 of 50 · C+ | 55.0#28 of 50 · C+ | -0.1 pts | — | Even |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -0.9 pts (-1%) · US 100 | 107.9#47 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | -0.9 pts-1% | 100 | Even |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$576 · US -$11,758 | -$43,228#45 of 50 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | +$576 | -$11,758 | Even |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$53,639 (-9%) · US $368,697 | $526,714#43 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | -$53,639-9% | $368,697 | NY |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +3.26 pts · US 8.74% | 13.56%#49 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | +3.26 pts | 8.74% | NJ |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +175 (+90%) · US 328 | 368#35 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +175+90% | 328 | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap -$18,474 (-18%) · US $80,903 | $85,820#15 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$18,474-18% | $80,903 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.5 pts · US 85.62% | 86.7%#24 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +1.5 pts | 85.62% | NY |
| Life expectancyGap -0.1 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.5#4 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -0.1 yrs | 76.9 | Even |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -52,617 · US -33 | -71,987#49 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -52,617 | -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 New York or New Jersey better to live in?
New York scores 54.9 and New Jersey scores 55 out of 100, a 0.1-point gap this site treats as even. New York leads 5 of 11 categories, New Jersey leads 4, and 2 are within 3 points.
| Category | Weight | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | Gap | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy15% of scoregap -3.1 | 15% | 46.3#25 · B | 49.4#22 · B | -3.1 pts | NJ |
| Safety12% of scoregap -18.8 | 12% | 63.0#34 · C+ | 81.8#7 · A | -18.8 pts | NJ |
| Health12% of scoregap +1.6 | 12% | 79.7#3 · A+ | 78.1#4 · A+ | +1.6 pts | Even |
| Education12% of scoregap -18.2 | 12% | 56.6#30 · C+ | 74.8#5 · A+ | -18.2 pts | NJ |
| Affordability10% of scoregap -2.4 | 10% | 37.2#47 · D | 39.6#45 · D | -2.4 pts | Even |
| Fiscal Health8% of scoregap +11.3 | 8% | 44.5#42 · C | 33.2#49 · F | +11.3 pts | NY |
| Growth7% of scoregap -5.7 | 7% | 14.0#48 · D | 19.7#46 · D | -5.7 pts | NJ |
| Transportation7% of scoregap +6.7 | 7% | 52.6#20 · B | 45.9#36 · C | +6.7 pts | NY |
| Livability7% of scoregap +23.7 | 7% | 49.4#5 · A+ | 25.7#39 · C | +23.7 pts | NY |
| Outdoor Access6% of scoregap +23.7 | 6% | 30.2#23 · B | 6.5#48 · D | +23.7 pts | NY |
| Environment4% of scoregap +21 | 4% | 58.4#7 · A | 37.4#31 · C+ | +21 pts | NY |
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 New York cheaper than New Jersey?
New York and New Jersey cost about the same day to day: cost of living index 107.9 vs 108.8 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 ends up in about the same place in both after typical costs.
| Measure | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -0.9 pts (-1%) · US 100 | 107.9#47 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | -0.9 pts-1% | 100 | Even |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +0.2 pts (0%) · US 100 | 107.3#49 of 50 | 107.1#48 of 50 | +0.2 pts0% | 100 | Even |
| Residential electricity priceGap +3.76¢ (+17%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 26.39¢/kWh#44 of 50 | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | +3.76¢+17% | 17.84¢/kWh | NJ |
| Residential natural gas priceGap +$3.37 (+24%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $17.58/Mcf#37 of 50 | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | +$3.37+24% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap -$0.03 (-1%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.17/gal#21 of 50 | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | -$0.03-1% | $3.32/gal | Even |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$3,001 (+17%) · US $15,633 | $20,978#43 of 50 | $17,977#35 of 50 | +$3,001+17% | $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 | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adultearning $75,000Gap +$3,944 | +$20,271costs $54,729 | +$16,327costs $58,674 | +$3,944 | NY |
| Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap +$4,967 | +$8,114costs $66,886 | +$3,147costs $71,854 | +$4,967 | NY |
| Family of 4earning $75,000Gap +$576 | -$43,228costs $118,229 | -$43,804costs $118,804 | +$576 | Even |
| Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap +$4,147 | +$22,648costs $52,352 | +$18,501costs $56,499 | +$4,147 | NY |
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 | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HousingGap -$8,139 | $40,598 | $48,737 | -$8,139 | NY |
| ChildcareGap +$6,002 | $41,956 | $35,954 | +$6,002 | NJ |
| UtilitiesGap -$43 | $5,179 | $5,222 | -$43 | Even |
| GroceriesGap +$22 | $12,085 | $12,063 | +$22 | Even |
| TransportationGap -$94 | $9,963 | $10,057 | -$94 | Even |
| State and local taxesGap +$1,677 | $8,448 | $6,771 | +$1,677 | NJ |
Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.
Which has lower taxes, New York or New Jersey?
New Jersey collects a smaller share of income in state and local taxes: 10.3% vs 13.56%. New York has high across the board; New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack.
| Measure | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +3.26 pts · US 8.74% | 13.56%#49 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | +3.26 pts | 8.74% | NJ |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +3.03 pts · US 5.46% | 14.78%#50 of 50 | 11.75%#47 of 50 | +3.03 pts | 5.46% | NJ |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap -0.69 pts · US 1.02% | 1.64%#45 of 50 | 2.33%#50 of 50 | -0.69 pts | 1.02% | NY |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +1.94 pts · US 6.66% | 8.54%#41 of 50 | 6.6%#21 of 50 | +1.94 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 New York or New Jersey?
Homes cost 10% more in New Jersey: a typical home value of $526,714 in New York vs $580,353 in New Jersey. Buying the typical home takes about $140,709 of income in New York and $167,639 in New Jersey; the median household earns $85,820 and $104,294.
| Measure | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$53,639 (-9%) · US $368,697 | $526,714#43 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | -$53,639-9% | $368,697 | NY |
| Home value change, one yearGap +1.7 pts · US +1.2% | +5.6%#2 of 50 | +3.9%#8 of 50 | +1.7 pts | +1.2% | NY |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$1,102 (+44%) · US $1,948 | $3,615#50 of 50 | $2,513#45 of 50 | +$1,102+44% | $1,948 | NJ |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$26,930 (-16%) · US $100,006 | $140,709#45 of 50 | $167,639#47 of 50 | -$26,930-16% | $100,006 | NY |
| Home value to income ratioGap +0.5x (+9%) · US 4.6x | 6.1x#46 of 50 | 5.6x#41 of 50 | +0.5x+9% | 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.
| NY | NJ | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment, 20% down | $2,710 | $2,986 |
| Income needed vs. median | +64% | +61% |
| Five-year change | +29.5% | +35.4% |
| Market temperature | Warm | Warm |
| Largest metro | New York | 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 New York or New Jersey?
New Jersey pays more: median household income $104,294 vs $85,820, with unemployment at 4.3% in New York and 5.2% in New Jersey.
| Measure | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeGap -$18,474 (-18%) · US $80,903 | $85,820#15 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$18,474-18% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap -0.9 pts · US 3.95% | 4.3%#34 of 50 | 5.2%#46 of 50 | -0.9 pts | 3.95% | NY |
| GDP per capitaGap +$28,207 (+38%) · US $64,333 | $102,027#1 of 50 | $73,820#9 of 50 | +$28,207+38% | $64,333 | NY |
| Real GDP growthGap +0.5 pts · US +1.91% | +2.5%#12 of 50 | +2%#24 of 50 | +0.5 pts | +1.91% | NY |
| Population growthGap -0.43 pts · US +0.51% | +0.01%#45 of 50 | +0.44%#26 of 50 | -0.43 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 New York safer than New Jersey?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 368 in New York (FBI). Property crime runs 1,575 and 1,250 per 100,000.
| Measure | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +175 (+90%) · US 328 | 368#35 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +175+90% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +325 (+26%) · US 1,535 | 1,575#31 of 50 | 1,250#12 of 50 | +325+26% | 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.
- White Plains, NY115 violent per 100K
- Clifton, NJ166 violent per 100K
Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.
Which has better schools and health, New York or New Jersey?
New Jersey scores higher for education (#5 of 50 vs #30), with high school graduation rates of 86.7% and 85.2%. They are close on health (#3 and #4); life expectancy is 79.5 years in New York and 79.6 in New Jersey.
| Measure | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap -11 · US 273 | 271#27 of 50 | 282#5 of 50 | -11 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -9 · US 257 | 257#27 of 50 | 266#2 of 50 | -9 | 257 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.5 pts · US 85.62% | 86.7%#24 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +1.5 pts | 85.62% | NY |
| Life expectancyGap -0.1 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.5#4 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -0.1 yrs | 76.9 | Even |
| Adults with obesityGap +1.8 pts · US 34.03% | 29.5%#7 of 50 | 27.7%#4 of 50 | +1.8 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -2.7 pts · US 7.6% | 5%#6 of 50 | 7.7%#27 of 50 | -2.7 pts | 7.6% | NY |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap -4 pts (-10%) · US 38.8 | 36#14 of 50 | 40#24 of 50 | -4 pts-10% | 38.8 | NY |
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).
- Levittown, NYeducation score 94.2
- 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: New York #30, New Jersey #5. Health: New York #3, New Jersey #4.
Are more people moving from New York to New Jersey, or from New Jersey to New York?
43,699 households moved from New York to New Jersey and 26,793 moved from New Jersey to New York in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 16,906 households for New Jersey. Movers to New Jersey reported an average income of $116,966; movers to New York reported $110,796. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 56,799 people (±8,244) moving from New York to New Jersey and 36,002 (±5,753) the other way, a net gain of about 20,797 people for New Jersey beyond the margin of error.
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 | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households moving inIRSGap +84,587 (+79%) | 192,240#4 of 50 | 107,653#14 of 50 | +84,587+79% | NY |
| Households moving outIRSGap +137,204 (+108%) | 264,227#48 of 50 | 127,023#41 of 50 | +137,204+108% | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -52,617 | -71,987#49 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -52,617 | NJ |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -1.6 | -3.6#50 of 50 | -2.0#44 of 50 | -1.6 | NJ |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap -$7,988 (-8%) | $94,202#6 of 50 | $102,190#4 of 50 | -$7,988-8% | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$744 (-1%) | $105,983#4 of 50 | $106,727#3 of 50 | -$744-1% | Even |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -3.0 | -6.9#50 of 50 | -3.9#45 of 50 | -3.0 | 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, New York or New Jersey?
New York is the better fit for retirees, remote workers, and outdoor enthusiasts; New Jersey is the better fit for families; 2 of the six lifestyle indexes are within 4 places. Each index re-weights the same 11 category scores for one kind of household.
| Measure | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FamiliesGap +9 places | #29score 62.6 | #20score 69.6 | +9 places | NJ |
| RetireesGap -18 places | #25score 62 | #43score 52.6 | -18 places | NY |
| Remote WorkersGap -5 places | #44score 41.4 | #49score 29.7 | -5 places | NY |
| Young ProfessionalsGap -3 places | #40score 42.8 | #43score 41.3 | -3 places | Even |
| Small BusinessGap -2 places | #44score 37.5 | #46score 36.8 | -2 places | Even |
| Outdoor EnthusiastsGap -14 places | #21score 50.9 | #35score 34.3 | -14 places | NY |
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 #29)
- RetireesNew York (#25 vs #43)
- Remote WorkersNew York (#44 vs #49)
- Young ProfessionalsEven (#40 vs #43)
- Small BusinessEven (#44 vs #46)
- Outdoor EnthusiastsNew York (#21 vs #35)
Which cities stand out in New York and New Jersey?
New York has 20 tracked cities and New Jersey has 20; the largest are New York and Newark. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.
| Best for | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ |
|---|---|---|
| Largest citypopulation | New York8,483,844 people | Newark310,178 people |
| Highest composite scorecomposite score | Levittownscore 74.8 | Hobokenscore 74.2 |
| Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000 | White Plains115 violent per 100K | Clifton166 violent per 100K |
| Cheapest citycost of living index | Uticacost index 92.7 | Vinelandcost index 96 |
| Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20 | Hempsteadwalkability 15 of 20 | Union Citywalkability 15.5 of 20 |
| Cleanest airmedian air quality index, county | Uticacounty median AQI 27 | New Brunswickcounty median AQI 36 |
| Best schoolsgraduation rate, % | Levittown94.2% graduation rate | Hoboken95.5% graduation rate |
| Richest citymedian household income | Levittownmedian income $146,068 | Hobokenmedian income $180,579 |
| Fastest growingpopulation growth, % | Yonkers+0.5% growth | Newark+1.1% growth |
Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.
How do New York and New Jersey compare on everything else?
State finances, environment, and getting around. New York carries AA credit rating and New Jersey A+.
Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
| Measure | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable share of electricityGap +22 pts · US 29.34% | 30%#22 of 50 | 8%#42 of 50 | +22 pts | 29.34% | NY |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -12.8 (-77%) · US 29.6 | 3.8#4 of 50 | 16.6#14 of 50 | -12.8-77% | 29.6 | NY |
| Public land shareGap +7.8 pts · US 17.16% | 15.1%#16 of 50 | 7.3%#26 of 50 | +7.8 pts | 17.16% | NY |
| Mean travel time to workGap +1.3 min · US 25.2 min | 33.2 min#50 of 50 | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | +1.3 min | 25.2 min | NJ |
| Commuters using public transitGap +14.5 pts · US 2.29% | 24.2%#1 of 50 | 9.7%#2 of 50 | +14.5 pts | 2.29% | NY |
| Workers working from homeGap -1.7 pts · US 12.28% | 11.8%#28 of 50 | 13.5%#19 of 50 | -1.7 pts | 12.28% | NJ |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap -1.7 pts · US 92.67% | 93.1%#20 of 50 | 94.8%#6 of 50 | -1.7 pts | 92.67% | NJ |
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 | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap +10 pts · US 92.7 | 90#32 of 50 | 80#48 of 50 | +10 pts | 92.7 | NY |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -1.4 pts · US 12.39% | 3.8%#48 of 50 | 5.2%#45 of 50 | -1.4 pts | 12.39% | NJ |
| Pension funded ratioGap +35 pts · US 74.3% | 90%#7 of 50 | 55%#47 of 50 | +35 pts | 74.3% | NY |
| State debt per capitaGap -$210 (-3%) · US $3,506 | $8,130#47 of 50 | $8,340#48 of 50 | -$210-3% | $3,506 | Even |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -2.3 pts · US +4.66% | -1.5%#48 of 50 | +0.8%#47 of 50 | -2.3 pts | +4.66% | NJ |
Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; New York 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).
New York 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. New York is ahead on 18 of 51, New Jersey on 21, and 12 are even.
Show all 54 metrics
| Measure | New YorkNY | New JerseyNJ | GapNY−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationGap +10,454,212 (+109%) · US 6.8 million | 20 million#4 of 50 | 9.5 million#11 of 50 | +10,454,212+109% | 6.8 million | NY |
| Median household incomeGap -$18,474 (-18%) · US $80,903 | $85,820#15 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$18,474-18% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap -0.9 pts · US 3.95% | 4.3%#34 of 50 | 5.2%#46 of 50 | -0.9 pts | 3.95% | NY |
| Population growthGap -0.43 pts · US +0.51% | +0.01%#45 of 50 | +0.44%#26 of 50 | -0.43 pts | +0.51% | Even |
| GDP per capitaGap +$28,207 (+38%) · US $64,333 | $102,027#1 of 50 | $73,820#9 of 50 | +$28,207+38% | $64,333 | NY |
| Real GDP growthGap +0.5 pts · US +1.91% | +2.5%#12 of 50 | +2%#24 of 50 | +0.5 pts | +1.91% | NY |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +175 (+90%) · US 328 | 368#35 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +175+90% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +325 (+26%) · US 1,535 | 1,575#31 of 50 | 1,250#12 of 50 | +325+26% | 1,535 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.5 pts · US 85.62% | 86.7%#24 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +1.5 pts | 85.62% | NY |
| NAEP math score, grade 4Gap -6 · US 237 | 234#38 of 50 | 240#10 of 50 | -6 | 237 | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap -11 · US 273 | 271#27 of 50 | 282#5 of 50 | -11 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap -7 · US 214 | 215#26 of 50 | 222#3 of 50 | -7 | 214 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -9 · US 257 | 257#27 of 50 | 266#2 of 50 | -9 | 257 | Even |
| Life expectancyGap -0.1 yrs · US 76.9 | 79.5#4 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -0.1 yrs | 76.9 | Even |
| Adults with obesityGap +1.8 pts · US 34.03% | 29.5%#7 of 50 | 27.7%#4 of 50 | +1.8 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap -2.7 pts · US 7.6% | 5%#6 of 50 | 7.7%#27 of 50 | -2.7 pts | 7.6% | NY |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$53,639 (-9%) · US $368,697 | $526,714#43 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | -$53,639-9% | $368,697 | NY |
| Home value change, one yearGap +1.7 pts · US +1.2% | +5.6%#2 of 50 | +3.9%#8 of 50 | +1.7 pts | +1.2% | NY |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap +$1,102 (+44%) · US $1,948 | $3,615#50 of 50 | $2,513#45 of 50 | +$1,102+44% | $1,948 | NJ |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$26,930 (-16%) · US $100,006 | $140,709#45 of 50 | $167,639#47 of 50 | -$26,930-16% | $100,006 | NY |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -0.9 pts (-1%) · US 100 | 107.9#47 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | -0.9 pts-1% | 100 | Even |
| Home value to income ratioGap +0.5x (+9%) · US 4.6x | 6.1x#46 of 50 | 5.6x#41 of 50 | +0.5x+9% | 4.6x | NJ |
| Residential electricity priceGap +3.76¢ (+17%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 26.39¢/kWh#44 of 50 | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | +3.76¢+17% | 17.84¢/kWh | NJ |
| Residential natural gas priceGap +$3.37 (+24%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $17.58/Mcf#37 of 50 | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | +$3.37+24% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap -$0.03 (-1%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.17/gal#21 of 50 | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | -$0.03-1% | $3.32/gal | Even |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap +0.2 pts (0%) · US 100 | 107.3#49 of 50 | 107.1#48 of 50 | +0.2 pts0% | 100 | Even |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap +$3,001 (+17%) · US $15,633 | $20,978#43 of 50 | $17,977#35 of 50 | +$3,001+17% | $15,633 | NJ |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap +3.26 pts · US 8.74% | 13.56%#49 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | +3.26 pts | 8.74% | NJ |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap +3.03 pts · US 5.46% | 14.78%#50 of 50 | 11.75%#47 of 50 | +3.03 pts | 5.46% | NJ |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap -0.69 pts · US 1.02% | 1.64%#45 of 50 | 2.33%#50 of 50 | -0.69 pts | 1.02% | NY |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +1.94 pts · US 6.66% | 8.54%#41 of 50 | 6.6%#21 of 50 | +1.94 pts | 6.66% | NJ |
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap +10 pts · US 92.7 | 90#32 of 50 | 80#48 of 50 | +10 pts | 92.7 | NY |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap -1.4 pts · US 12.39% | 3.8%#48 of 50 | 5.2%#45 of 50 | -1.4 pts | 12.39% | NJ |
| Pension funded ratioGap +35 pts · US 74.3% | 90%#7 of 50 | 55%#47 of 50 | +35 pts | 74.3% | NY |
| State debt per capitaGap -$210 (-3%) · US $3,506 | $8,130#47 of 50 | $8,340#48 of 50 | -$210-3% | $3,506 | Even |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap -2.3 pts · US +4.66% | -1.5%#48 of 50 | +0.8%#47 of 50 | -2.3 pts | +4.66% | NJ |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap -4 pts (-10%) · US 38.8 | 36#14 of 50 | 40#24 of 50 | -4 pts-10% | 38.8 | NY |
| Renewable share of electricityGap +22 pts · US 29.34% | 30%#22 of 50 | 8%#42 of 50 | +22 pts | 29.34% | NY |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap -12.8 (-77%) · US 29.6 | 3.8#4 of 50 | 16.6#14 of 50 | -12.8-77% | 29.6 | NY |
| Public land shareGap +7.8 pts · US 17.16% | 15.1%#16 of 50 | 7.3%#26 of 50 | +7.8 pts | 17.16% | NY |
| Mean travel time to workGap +1.3 min · US 25.2 min | 33.2 min#50 of 50 | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | +1.3 min | 25.2 min | NJ |
| Commuters using public transitGap +14.5 pts · US 2.29% | 24.2%#1 of 50 | 9.7%#2 of 50 | +14.5 pts | 2.29% | NY |
| Workers working from homeGap -1.7 pts · US 12.28% | 11.8%#28 of 50 | 13.5%#19 of 50 | -1.7 pts | 12.28% | NJ |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap -1.7 pts · US 92.67% | 93.1%#20 of 50 | 94.8%#6 of 50 | -1.7 pts | 92.67% | NJ |
| Households moving inIRSGap +84,587 (+79%) · US 78,682 | 192,240#4 of 50 | 107,653#14 of 50 | +84,587+79% | 78,682 | NY |
| Households moving outIRSGap +137,204 (+108%) · US 78,715 | 264,227#48 of 50 | 127,023#41 of 50 | +137,204+108% | 78,715 | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap -52,617 · US -33 | -71,987#49 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | -52,617 | -33 | NJ |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap -1.6 · US +0.4 | -3.6#50 of 50 | -2.0#44 of 50 | -1.6 | +0.4 | NJ |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap -$7,988 (-8%) · US $77,690 | $94,202#6 of 50 | $102,190#4 of 50 | -$7,988-8% | $77,690 | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$744 (-1%) · US $77,024 | $105,983#4 of 50 | $106,727#3 of 50 | -$744-1% | $77,024 | Even |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap -3.0 · US +1.1 | -6.9#50 of 50 | -3.9#45 of 50 | -3.0 | +1.1 | NJ |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$576 · US -$11,758 | -$43,228#45 of 50 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | +$576 | -$11,758 | Even |
| Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap +$3,944 · US +$31,418 | +$20,271#46 of 50 | +$16,327#47 of 50 | +$3,944 | +$31,418 | NY |
| Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap +$4,147 · US +$35,970 | +$22,648#46 of 50 | +$18,501#47 of 50 | +$4,147 | +$35,970 | NY |
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 New York and New Jersey numbers say when read together.
Neither state is better overall
New York (54.9, #29) and New Jersey (55, #28) are within 2 composite points. New York leads 5 categories, New Jersey leads 4, and 2 are even. The answer depends on which categories matter to you.
Everyday costs are about the same
The cost of living index is 107.9 in New York and 108.8 in New Jersey, inside the 2-point band this site treats as even. Typical home values are $526,714 and $580,353. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$43,228 a year after typical costs in New York and -$43,804 in New Jersey.
New Jersey takes a smaller share in taxes
New York collects 13.56% of income in state and local taxes (high across the board); 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 $85,820 in New York and $104,294 in New Jersey, with unemployment at 4.3% and 5.2%. Violent crime runs 368 per 100,000 residents in New York and 194 in New Jersey.
People move to New Jersey on net
56,799 people moved to New Jersey from New York in the latest Census release, against 36,002 going the other way.
New Jersey for families, New York for retirees
For families, New York ranks #29 of 50 and New Jersey #20; for retirees, New York ranks #25 and New Jersey #43.
New York vs New Jersey: frequently asked questions
Is New York or New Jersey better to live in?
New York ranks #29 of 50 overall and New Jersey #28 as of the latest release. They cost about the same to live in (cost of living index 107.9 vs 108.8); New York carries a 3.3-point higher tax burden. Overall they are 0.1 points apart, too close to call: New York leads 5 of 11 categories, New Jersey leads 4.
Is New York cheaper than New Jersey?
New York and New Jersey cost about the same to live in: cost of living index 107.9 vs 108.8 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have -$43,228 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in New York, and -$43,804 in New Jersey. The typical home value is $526,714 in New York and $580,353 in New Jersey.
Which has lower taxes, New York or New Jersey?
New Jersey has the lower tax burden: 10.3% of income in state and local taxes vs 13.56% in New York. New York's top income tax rate is 14.78%, its effective property tax rate 1.64% and its combined sales tax 8.54%; New Jersey's are 11.75%, 2.33% and 6.6%.
Is New York safer than New Jersey?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 368 in New York, per the FBI. New York ranks #35 of 50 for violent crime and New Jersey #6. Property crime is 1,575 per 100,000 in New York and 1,250 in New Jersey. The safest tracked cities are White Plains, NY, and Clifton, NJ.
Are homes more expensive in New York or New Jersey?
Homes are 10% more expensive in New Jersey: the typical home value is $526,714 in New York and $580,353 in New Jersey. Buying the typical home takes about $140,709 of household income in New York and $167,639 in New Jersey, against median incomes of $85,820 and $104,294.
Do people earn more in New York or New Jersey?
New Jersey pays more: median household income is $104,294 vs $85,820 in New York, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 4.3% in New York and 5.2% in New Jersey.
Are more people moving from New York to New Jersey or from New Jersey to New York?
43,699 households moved from New York to New Jersey and 26,793 moved from New Jersey to New York in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 16,906 households for New Jersey. Movers to New Jersey reported an average income of $116,966; movers to New York reported $110,796. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 56,799 people (±8,244) moving from New York to New Jersey and 36,002 (±5,753) the other way, a net gain of about 20,797 people for New Jersey beyond the margin of error.
Which is better for retirees, New York or New Jersey?
New York is the better fit for retirees: #25 of 50 on the retiree index vs #43 for New Jersey. New York has high across the board; 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 +$22,648 left after typical costs in New York and +$18,501 in New Jersey.
Which is better for families, New York or New Jersey?
New Jersey is the better fit for families: #20 of 50 on the families index vs #29 for New York. Center-based infant care costs $20,978 a year in New York and $17,977 in New Jersey. High school graduation rates are 86.7% and 85.2%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$43,228 after typical costs in New York and -$43,804 in New Jersey.
Which has better schools, New York or New Jersey?
New Jersey scores higher for education: #5 of 50 vs #30 for New York. Eighth graders average 271 in NAEP math in New York and 282 in New Jersey. High school graduation rates are 86.7% in New York and 85.2% in New Jersey, and the education category scores are 56.6 and 74.8 out of 100. Among tracked cities, Levittown and Hoboken have the strongest school metrics.
Compare a different pair
Swap either state, or jump to the matchups people open alongside New York vs New Jersey.
Why this pair is featured: bordering states, major moving corridor, most-searched matchup (43,699 households moved in the busier direction in the latest IRS release).