North Carolina vs New Jersey: Which Is Better to Live In?
North Carolina ranks #23 of 50 overall and New Jersey #28 as of the latest release. North Carolina is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 94.3 vs 108.8), has a 2.1-point lower tax burden, and has a 41% higher violent crime rate. North Carolina scores higher overall, leading 5 of 11 categories to 4.
- Income needed to buy the typical home is 48% lower in North Carolina ($87,803 vs. $167,639 in New Jersey).
- Violent crime rate is 41% lower in New Jersey (194 vs. 330 in North Carolina).
- Residential electricity price is 38% lower in North Carolina (14.02¢/kWh vs. 22.63¢/kWh in New Jersey).
| Measure | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall scorecomposite of 100, rank of 50Gap +4.1 pts | 59.1#23 of 50 · B | 55.0#28 of 50 · C+ | +4.1 pts | — | NC |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -14.5 pts (-13%) · US 100 | 94.3#21 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | -14.5 pts-13% | 100 | NC |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$35,244 · US -$11,758 | -$8,560#22 of 50 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | +$35,244 | -$11,758 | NC |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$245,580 (-42%) · US $368,697 | $334,773#24 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | -$245,580-42% | $368,697 | NC |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -2.12 pts · US 8.74% | 8.18%#16 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | -2.12 pts | 8.74% | NC |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +137 (+70%) · US 328 | 330#30 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +137+70% | 328 | NJ |
| Median household incomeGap -$30,336 (-29%) · US $80,903 | $73,958#36 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$30,336-29% | $80,903 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.2 pts · US 85.62% | 86.4%#25 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +1.2 pts | 85.62% | NC |
| Life expectancyGap -3.7 yrs · US 76.9 | 75.9#35 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -3.7 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +58,488 · US -33 | +39,118#3 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +58,488 | -33 | NC |
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 North Carolina or New Jersey better to live in?
North Carolina scores higher overall: 59.1 to 55 out of 100, #23 of 50 against #28. North Carolina leads 5 of 11 categories, New Jersey leads 4, and 2 are within 3 points.
| Category | Weight | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | Gap | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy15% of scoregap -6.2 | 15% | 43.2#29 · C+ | 49.4#22 · B | -6.2 pts | NJ |
| Safety12% of scoregap -18.7 | 12% | 63.1#33 · C+ | 81.8#7 · A | -18.7 pts | NJ |
| Health12% of scoregap -31.5 | 12% | 46.6#32 · C+ | 78.1#4 · A+ | -31.5 pts | NJ |
| Education12% of scoregap -14.2 | 12% | 60.6#26 · B | 74.8#5 · A+ | -14.2 pts | NJ |
| Affordability10% of scoregap +34.2 | 10% | 73.8#21 · B | 39.6#45 · D | +34.2 pts | NC |
| Fiscal Health8% of scoregap +38.3 | 8% | 71.5#6 · A | 33.2#49 · F | +38.3 pts | NC |
| Growth7% of scoregap +45.9 | 7% | 65.6#3 · A+ | 19.7#46 · D | +45.9 pts | NC |
| Transportation7% of scoregap +2.3 | 7% | 48.2#28 · C+ | 45.9#36 · C | +2.3 pts | Even |
| Livability7% of scoregap +8.8 | 7% | 34.5#21 · B | 25.7#39 · C | +8.8 pts | NC |
| Outdoor Access6% of scoregap +7 | 6% | 13.5#37 · C | 6.5#48 · D | +7 pts | NC |
| Environment4% of scoregap -2.8 | 4% | 34.6#35 · C | 37.4#31 · C+ | -2.8 pts | Even |
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 North Carolina cheaper than New Jersey?
North Carolina is cheaper: cost of living index 94.3 vs 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 keeps $35,244 more a year in North Carolina after housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes.
| Measure | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -14.5 pts (-13%) · US 100 | 94.3#21 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | -14.5 pts-13% | 100 | NC |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -10.5 pts (-10%) · US 100 | 96.6#28 of 50 | 107.1#48 of 50 | -10.5 pts-10% | 100 | NC |
| Residential electricity priceGap -8.61¢ (-38%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 14.02¢/kWh#17 of 50 | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | -8.61¢-38% | 17.84¢/kWh | NC |
| Residential natural gas priceGap +$2.21 (+16%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $16.42/Mcf#29 of 50 | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | +$2.21+16% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap -$0.02 (-1%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.18/gal#23 of 50 | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | -$0.02-1% | $3.32/gal | Even |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$4,061 (-23%) · US $15,633 | $13,916#18 of 50 | $17,977#35 of 50 | -$4,061-23% | $15,633 | NC |
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 | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Adultearning $75,000Gap +$16,457 | +$32,784costs $42,216 | +$16,327costs $58,674 | +$16,457 | NC |
| Couple, No Kidsearning $75,000Gap +$21,481 | +$24,628costs $50,372 | +$3,147costs $71,854 | +$21,481 | NC |
| Family of 4earning $75,000Gap +$35,244 | -$8,560costs $83,560 | -$43,804costs $118,804 | +$35,244 | NC |
| Retiree Coupleearning $75,000Gap +$18,807 | +$37,308costs $37,692 | +$18,501costs $56,499 | +$18,807 | NC |
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 | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HousingGap -$25,980 | $22,757 | $48,737 | -$25,980 | NC |
| ChildcareGap -$8,122 | $27,832 | $35,954 | -$8,122 | NC |
| UtilitiesGap -$696 | $4,526 | $5,222 | -$696 | NC |
| GroceriesGap -$1,183 | $10,880 | $12,063 | -$1,183 | NC |
| TransportationGap -$63 | $9,994 | $10,057 | -$63 | Even |
| State and local taxesGap +$800 | $7,571 | $6,771 | +$800 | NJ |
Annual cost lines for a family of four (two adults, two children). Lower is ahead.
Which has lower taxes, North Carolina or New Jersey?
North Carolina collects a smaller share of income in state and local taxes: 8.18% vs 10.3%. North Carolina has middle of the pack on income, property and sales taxes; New Jersey has high income tax, high property tax, with sales tax in the middle of the pack.
| Measure | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -2.12 pts · US 8.74% | 8.18%#16 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | -2.12 pts | 8.74% | NC |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap -7.5 pts · US 5.46% | 4.25%#16 of 50 | 11.75%#47 of 50 | -7.5 pts | 5.46% | NC |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap -1.6 pts · US 1.02% | 0.73%#16 of 50 | 2.33%#50 of 50 | -1.6 pts | 1.02% | NC |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +0.4 pts · US 6.66% | 7%#27 of 50 | 6.6%#21 of 50 | +0.4 pts | 6.66% | Even |
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 North Carolina or New Jersey?
Homes cost 73% more in New Jersey: a typical home value of $334,773 in North Carolina vs $580,353 in New Jersey. Buying the typical home takes about $87,803 of income in North Carolina and $167,639 in New Jersey; the median household earns $73,958 and $104,294.
| Measure | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$245,580 (-42%) · US $368,697 | $334,773#24 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | -$245,580-42% | $368,697 | NC |
| Home value change, one yearGap -3.9 pts · US +1.2% | 0%#40 of 50 | +3.9%#8 of 50 | -3.9 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap -$764 (-30%) · US $1,948 | $1,749#27 of 50 | $2,513#45 of 50 | -$764-30% | $1,948 | NC |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$79,836 (-48%) · US $100,006 | $87,803#20 of 50 | $167,639#47 of 50 | -$79,836-48% | $100,006 | NC |
| Home value to income ratioGap -1.1x (-20%) · US 4.6x | 4.5x#27 of 50 | 5.6x#41 of 50 | -1.1x-20% | 4.6x | NC |
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.
| NC | NJ | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly payment, 20% down | $1,722 | $2,986 |
| Income needed vs. median | +19% | +61% |
| Five-year change | +23.2% | +35.4% |
| Market temperature | Cold | Warm |
| Largest metro | Charlotte | 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 North Carolina or New Jersey?
New Jersey pays more: median household income $104,294 vs $73,958, with unemployment at 3.8% in North Carolina and 5.2% in New Jersey.
| Measure | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeGap -$30,336 (-29%) · US $80,903 | $73,958#36 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$30,336-29% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap -1.4 pts · US 3.95% | 3.8%#20 of 50 | 5.2%#46 of 50 | -1.4 pts | 3.95% | NC |
| GDP per capitaGap -$14,206 (-19%) · US $64,333 | $59,614#31 of 50 | $73,820#9 of 50 | -$14,206-19% | $64,333 | NJ |
| Real GDP growthGap +0.8 pts · US +1.91% | +2.8%#9 of 50 | +2%#24 of 50 | +0.8 pts | +1.91% | NC |
| Population growthGap +0.88 pts · US +0.51% | +1.32%#3 of 50 | +0.44%#26 of 50 | +0.88 pts | +0.51% | NC |
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 North Carolina safer than New Jersey?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 330 in North Carolina (FBI). Property crime runs 1,780 and 1,250 per 100,000.
| Measure | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +137 (+70%) · US 328 | 330#30 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +137+70% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +530 (+42%) · US 1,535 | 1,780#38 of 50 | 1,250#12 of 50 | +530+42% | 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.
- Apex, NC53 violent per 100K
- Clifton, NJ166 violent per 100K
Among each state's 20 tracked cities, latest FBI release.
Which has better schools and health, North Carolina or New Jersey?
New Jersey scores higher for education (#5 of 50 vs #26), with high school graduation rates of 86.4% and 85.2%. New Jersey scores higher for health (#4 vs #32); life expectancy is 75.9 years in North Carolina and 79.6 in New Jersey.
| Measure | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap -6 · US 273 | 276#20 of 50 | 282#5 of 50 | -6 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -11 · US 257 | 255#35 of 50 | 266#2 of 50 | -11 | 257 | Even |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.2 pts · US 85.62% | 86.4%#25 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +1.2 pts | 85.62% | NC |
| Life expectancyGap -3.7 yrs · US 76.9 | 75.9#35 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -3.7 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap +6.8 pts · US 34.03% | 34.5%#27 of 50 | 27.7%#4 of 50 | +6.8 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap +0.9 pts · US 7.6% | 8.6%#35 of 50 | 7.7%#27 of 50 | +0.9 pts | 7.6% | NJ |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +1 pts (+3%) · US 38.8 | 41#31 of 50 | 40#24 of 50 | +1 pts+3% | 38.8 | Even |
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).
- Chapel Hill, NCeducation score 93
- 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: North Carolina #26, New Jersey #5. Health: North Carolina #32, New Jersey #4.
Are more people moving from North Carolina to New Jersey, or from New Jersey to North Carolina?
2,566 households moved from North Carolina to New Jersey and 6,003 moved from New Jersey to North Carolina in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 3,437 households for North Carolina. Movers to New Jersey reported an average income of $71,316; movers to North Carolina reported $95,271. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 4,950 people (±2,047) moving from North Carolina to New Jersey and 9,282 (±3,207) the other way, a net gain of about 4,332 people for North Carolina 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 | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Households moving inIRSGap +63,098 (+59%) | 170,751#5 of 50 | 107,653#14 of 50 | +63,098+59% | NC |
| Households moving outIRSGap +4,610 (+4%) | 131,633#42 of 50 | 127,023#41 of 50 | +4,610+4% | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +58,488 | +39,118#3 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +58,488 | NC |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +5.5 | +3.5#3 of 50 | -2.0#44 of 50 | +5.5 | NC |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap -$22,028 (-22%) | $80,162#21 of 50 | $102,190#4 of 50 | -$22,028-22% | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$32,439 (-30%) | $74,288#25 of 50 | $106,727#3 of 50 | -$32,439-30% | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap +11.5 | +7.6#3 of 50 | -3.9#45 of 50 | +11.5 | NC |
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, North Carolina or New Jersey?
North Carolina is the better fit for retirees, remote workers, young professionals, and small business; New Jersey is the better fit for families; 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 | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FamiliesGap +8 places | #28score 62.8 | #20score 69.6 | +8 places | NJ |
| RetireesGap -22 places | #21score 64.2 | #43score 52.6 | -22 places | NC |
| Remote WorkersGap -32 places | #17score 56.9 | #49score 29.7 | -32 places | NC |
| Young ProfessionalsGap -29 places | #14score 63.1 | #43score 41.3 | -29 places | NC |
| Small BusinessGap -37 places | #9score 71.1 | #46score 36.8 | -37 places | NC |
| Outdoor EnthusiastsGap -1 places | #34score 34.6 | #35score 34.3 | -1 places | Even |
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 #28)
- RetireesNorth Carolina (#21 vs #43)
- Remote WorkersNorth Carolina (#17 vs #49)
- Young ProfessionalsNorth Carolina (#14 vs #43)
- Small BusinessNorth Carolina (#9 vs #46)
- Outdoor EnthusiastsEven (#34 vs #35)
Which cities stand out in North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 22 tracked cities and New Jersey has 20; the largest are Charlotte and Newark. The table picks the best city in each state for one purpose at a time.
| Best for | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ |
|---|---|---|
| Largest citypopulation | Charlotte903,844 people | Newark310,178 people |
| Highest composite scorecomposite score | Apexscore 74.9 | Hobokenscore 74.2 |
| Safest cityviolent crime per 100,000 | Apex53 violent per 100K | Clifton166 violent per 100K |
| Cheapest citycost of living index | Rocky Mountcost index 88 | Vinelandcost index 96 |
| Most walkableEPA walkability index, 1 to 20 | Ashevillewalkability 14.3 of 20 | Union Citywalkability 15.5 of 20 |
| Cleanest airmedian air quality index, county | Greenvillecounty median AQI 37 | New Brunswickcounty median AQI 36 |
| Best schoolsgraduation rate, % | Chapel Hill93% graduation rate | Hoboken95.5% graduation rate |
| Richest citymedian household income | Apexmedian income $144,135 | Hobokenmedian income $180,579 |
| Fastest growingpopulation growth, % | Apex+6.1% growth | Newark+1.1% growth |
Among the 20 tracked cities in each state. Census ACS, FBI, NCES and BEA data, latest releases.
How do North Carolina and New Jersey compare on everything else?
State finances, environment, and getting around. North Carolina carries AAA credit rating and New Jersey A+.
Show fiscal, environment and commuting tables
| Measure | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Renewable share of electricityGap +5 pts · US 29.34% | 13%#32 of 50 | 8%#42 of 50 | +5 pts | 29.34% | NC |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap +7.4 (+45%) · US 29.6 | 24.0#20 of 50 | 16.6#14 of 50 | +7.4+45% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap +2 pts · US 17.16% | 9.3%#23 of 50 | 7.3%#26 of 50 | +2 pts | 17.16% | NC |
| Mean travel time to workGap -6.2 min · US 25.2 min | 25.7 min#25 of 50 | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | -6.2 min | 25.2 min | NC |
| Commuters using public transitGap -8.9 pts · US 2.29% | 0.8%#32 of 50 | 9.7%#2 of 50 | -8.9 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +1.9 pts · US 12.28% | 15.4%#11 of 50 | 13.5%#19 of 50 | +1.9 pts | 12.28% | NC |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap -1.6 pts · US 92.67% | 93.2%#19 of 50 | 94.8%#6 of 50 | -1.6 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 | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap +20 pts · US 92.7 | 100#10 of 50 | 80#48 of 50 | +20 pts | 92.7 | NC |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap +5.6 pts · US 12.39% | 10.8%#22 of 50 | 5.2%#45 of 50 | +5.6 pts | 12.39% | NC |
| Pension funded ratioGap +40 pts · US 74.3% | 95%#4 of 50 | 55%#47 of 50 | +40 pts | 74.3% | NC |
| State debt per capitaGap -$6,800 (-82%) · US $3,506 | $1,540#3 of 50 | $8,340#48 of 50 | -$6,800-82% | $3,506 | NC |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap +5.6 pts · US +4.66% | +6.4%#13 of 50 | +0.8%#47 of 50 | +5.6 pts | +4.66% | NC |
Credit rating index (S&P / Moody's; North Carolina AAA, 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).
North Carolina 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. North Carolina is ahead on 30 of 51, New Jersey on 14, and 7 are even.
Show all 54 metrics
| Measure | North CarolinaNC | New JerseyNJ | GapNC−NJ | US | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PopulationGap +1,649,753 (+17%) · US 6.8 million | 11.2 million#9 of 50 | 9.5 million#11 of 50 | +1,649,753+17% | 6.8 million | NC |
| Median household incomeGap -$30,336 (-29%) · US $80,903 | $73,958#36 of 50 | $104,294#2 of 50 | -$30,336-29% | $80,903 | NJ |
| Unemployment rateGap -1.4 pts · US 3.95% | 3.8%#20 of 50 | 5.2%#46 of 50 | -1.4 pts | 3.95% | NC |
| Population growthGap +0.88 pts · US +0.51% | +1.32%#3 of 50 | +0.44%#26 of 50 | +0.88 pts | +0.51% | NC |
| GDP per capitaGap -$14,206 (-19%) · US $64,333 | $59,614#31 of 50 | $73,820#9 of 50 | -$14,206-19% | $64,333 | NJ |
| Real GDP growthGap +0.8 pts · US +1.91% | +2.8%#9 of 50 | +2%#24 of 50 | +0.8 pts | +1.91% | NC |
| Violent crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +137 (+70%) · US 328 | 330#30 of 50 | 194#6 of 50 | +137+70% | 328 | NJ |
| Property crime per 100,000per 100,000 residentsGap +530 (+42%) · US 1,535 | 1,780#38 of 50 | 1,250#12 of 50 | +530+42% | 1,535 | NJ |
| High school graduation rateGap +1.2 pts · US 85.62% | 86.4%#25 of 50 | 85.2%#31 of 50 | +1.2 pts | 85.62% | NC |
| NAEP math score, grade 4Gap -1 · US 237 | 239#19 of 50 | 240#10 of 50 | -1 | 237 | Even |
| NAEP math score, grade 8Gap -6 · US 273 | 276#20 of 50 | 282#5 of 50 | -6 | 273 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 4Gap -8 · US 214 | 213#32 of 50 | 222#3 of 50 | -8 | 214 | Even |
| NAEP reading score, grade 8Gap -11 · US 257 | 255#35 of 50 | 266#2 of 50 | -11 | 257 | Even |
| Life expectancyGap -3.7 yrs · US 76.9 | 75.9#35 of 50 | 79.6#3 of 50 | -3.7 yrs | 76.9 | NJ |
| Adults with obesityGap +6.8 pts · US 34.03% | 34.5%#27 of 50 | 27.7%#4 of 50 | +6.8 pts | 34.03% | NJ |
| Residents without health insuranceGap +0.9 pts · US 7.6% | 8.6%#35 of 50 | 7.7%#27 of 50 | +0.9 pts | 7.6% | NJ |
| Typical home valuetypical home, modeled estimateGap -$245,580 (-42%) · US $368,697 | $334,773#24 of 50 | $580,353#46 of 50 | -$245,580-42% | $368,697 | NC |
| Home value change, one yearGap -3.9 pts · US +1.2% | 0%#40 of 50 | +3.9%#8 of 50 | -3.9 pts | +1.2% | NJ |
| Typical rent, largest metrolargest metro, per monthGap -$764 (-30%) · US $1,948 | $1,749#27 of 50 | $2,513#45 of 50 | -$764-30% | $1,948 | NC |
| Income needed to buyto buy the typical homeGap -$79,836 (-48%) · US $100,006 | $87,803#20 of 50 | $167,639#47 of 50 | -$79,836-48% | $100,006 | NC |
| Cost of living indexUS = 100Gap -14.5 pts (-13%) · US 100 | 94.3#21 of 50 | 108.8#48 of 50 | -14.5 pts-13% | 100 | NC |
| Home value to income ratioGap -1.1x (-20%) · US 4.6x | 4.5x#27 of 50 | 5.6x#41 of 50 | -1.1x-20% | 4.6x | NC |
| Residential electricity priceGap -8.61¢ (-38%) · US 17.84¢/kWh | 14.02¢/kWh#17 of 50 | 22.63¢/kWh#40 of 50 | -8.61¢-38% | 17.84¢/kWh | NC |
| Residential natural gas priceGap +$2.21 (+16%) · US $15.83/Mcf | $16.42/Mcf#29 of 50 | $14.21/Mcf#22 of 50 | +$2.21+16% | $15.83/Mcf | NJ |
| Gasoline priceGap -$0.02 (-1%) · US $3.32/gal | $3.18/gal#23 of 50 | $3.20/gal#25 of 50 | -$0.02-1% | $3.32/gal | Even |
| Price level for goodsUS = 100Gap -10.5 pts (-10%) · US 100 | 96.6#28 of 50 | 107.1#48 of 50 | -10.5 pts-10% | 100 | NC |
| Center-based infant care, per yearGap -$4,061 (-23%) · US $15,633 | $13,916#18 of 50 | $17,977#35 of 50 | -$4,061-23% | $15,633 | NC |
| Total state and local tax burdenshare of incomeGap -2.12 pts · US 8.74% | 8.18%#16 of 50 | 10.3%#45 of 50 | -2.12 pts | 8.74% | NC |
| Top state income tax ratetop rateGap -7.5 pts · US 5.46% | 4.25%#16 of 50 | 11.75%#47 of 50 | -7.5 pts | 5.46% | NC |
| Effective property tax rateeffective rateGap -1.6 pts · US 1.02% | 0.73%#16 of 50 | 2.33%#50 of 50 | -1.6 pts | 1.02% | NC |
| Combined state and local sales taxstate + localGap +0.4 pts · US 6.66% | 7%#27 of 50 | 6.6%#21 of 50 | +0.4 pts | 6.66% | Even |
| Credit ratingindex, 100 = AAAGap +20 pts · US 92.7 | 100#10 of 50 | 80#48 of 50 | +20 pts | 92.7 | NC |
| Rainy-day fund, share of spendingGap +5.6 pts · US 12.39% | 10.8%#22 of 50 | 5.2%#45 of 50 | +5.6 pts | 12.39% | NC |
| Pension funded ratioGap +40 pts · US 74.3% | 95%#4 of 50 | 55%#47 of 50 | +40 pts | 74.3% | NC |
| State debt per capitaGap -$6,800 (-82%) · US $3,506 | $1,540#3 of 50 | $8,340#48 of 50 | -$6,800-82% | $3,506 | NC |
| Budget balance, share of spendingGap +5.6 pts · US +4.66% | +6.4%#13 of 50 | +0.8%#47 of 50 | +5.6 pts | +4.66% | NC |
| Median air quality indexmedian AQI, lower is cleanerGap +1 pts (+3%) · US 38.8 | 41#31 of 50 | 40#24 of 50 | +1 pts+3% | 38.8 | Even |
| Renewable share of electricityGap +5 pts · US 29.34% | 13%#32 of 50 | 8%#42 of 50 | +5 pts | 29.34% | NC |
| FEMA natural disaster risk indexFEMA index, lower is saferGap +7.4 (+45%) · US 29.6 | 24.0#20 of 50 | 16.6#14 of 50 | +7.4+45% | 29.6 | NJ |
| Public land shareGap +2 pts · US 17.16% | 9.3%#23 of 50 | 7.3%#26 of 50 | +2 pts | 17.16% | NC |
| Mean travel time to workGap -6.2 min · US 25.2 min | 25.7 min#25 of 50 | 31.9 min#48 of 50 | -6.2 min | 25.2 min | NC |
| Commuters using public transitGap -8.9 pts · US 2.29% | 0.8%#32 of 50 | 9.7%#2 of 50 | -8.9 pts | 2.29% | NJ |
| Workers working from homeGap +1.9 pts · US 12.28% | 15.4%#11 of 50 | 13.5%#19 of 50 | +1.9 pts | 12.28% | NC |
| Households with a broadband subscriptionGap -1.6 pts · US 92.67% | 93.2%#19 of 50 | 94.8%#6 of 50 | -1.6 pts | 92.67% | NJ |
| Households moving inIRSGap +63,098 (+59%) · US 78,682 | 170,751#5 of 50 | 107,653#14 of 50 | +63,098+59% | 78,682 | NC |
| Households moving outIRSGap +4,610 (+4%) · US 78,715 | 131,633#42 of 50 | 127,023#41 of 50 | +4,610+4% | 78,715 | NJ |
| Net householdsIRS, householdsGap +58,488 · US -33 | +39,118#3 of 50 | -19,370#47 of 50 | +58,488 | -33 | NC |
| Net households per 1,000 residentsIRS, per 1,000 residentsGap +5.5 · US +0.4 | +3.5#3 of 50 | -2.0#44 of 50 | +5.5 | +0.4 | NC |
| Average income of arriving householdsIRSGap -$22,028 (-22%) · US $77,690 | $80,162#21 of 50 | $102,190#4 of 50 | -$22,028-22% | $77,690 | NJ |
| Average income of departing householdsIRSGap -$32,439 (-30%) · US $77,024 | $74,288#25 of 50 | $106,727#3 of 50 | -$32,439-30% | $77,024 | NJ |
| Net domestic migration per 1,000 residentsCensus, per 1,000 residentsGap +11.5 · US +1.1 | +7.6#3 of 50 | -3.9#45 of 50 | +11.5 | +1.1 | NC |
| Left after costs, family of fourearning $75K a yearGap +$35,244 · US -$11,758 | -$8,560#22 of 50 | -$43,804#46 of 50 | +$35,244 | -$11,758 | NC |
| Left after costs, single adultearning $75K a yearGap +$16,457 · US +$31,418 | +$32,784#24 of 50 | +$16,327#47 of 50 | +$16,457 | +$31,418 | NC |
| Left after costs, retiree coupleearning $75K a yearGap +$18,807 · US +$35,970 | +$37,308#22 of 50 | +$18,501#47 of 50 | +$18,807 | +$35,970 | NC |
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 North Carolina and New Jersey numbers say when read together.
North Carolina ranks higher overall
North Carolina leads 5 of the 11 categories to New Jersey's 4, with 2 even; New Jersey is ahead on health and safety. Across all 51 measures with data on both sides, North Carolina is ahead on 30 and New Jersey on 14.
North Carolina is cheaper day to day
North Carolina's cost of living index is 94.3 against 108.8 in New Jersey (US = 100). The typical home costs $334,773 in North Carolina and $580,353 in New Jersey. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$8,560 a year after typical costs in North Carolina and -$43,804 in New Jersey.
North Carolina takes a smaller share in taxes
North Carolina collects 8.18% of income in state and local taxes (middle of the pack on income, property and sales taxes); 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 $73,958 in North Carolina and $104,294 in New Jersey, with unemployment at 3.8% and 5.2%. Violent crime runs 330 per 100,000 residents in North Carolina and 194 in New Jersey.
People move to North Carolina on net
9,282 people moved to North Carolina from New Jersey in the latest Census release, against 4,950 going the other way.
New Jersey for families, North Carolina for retirees
For families, North Carolina ranks #28 of 50 and New Jersey #20; for retirees, North Carolina ranks #21 and New Jersey #43.
North Carolina vs New Jersey: frequently asked questions
Is North Carolina or New Jersey better to live in?
North Carolina ranks #23 of 50 overall and New Jersey #28 as of the latest release. North Carolina is cheaper to live in (cost of living index 94.3 vs 108.8), has a 2.1-point lower tax burden, and has a 41% higher violent crime rate. North Carolina scores higher overall, leading 5 of 11 categories to 4.
Is North Carolina cheaper than New Jersey?
North Carolina is cheaper than New Jersey: cost of living index 94.3 vs 108.8 (US = 100). A family of four earning $75,000 would have -$8,560 left after typical housing, childcare, utilities, groceries, transportation and taxes in North Carolina, and -$43,804 in New Jersey. The typical home value is $334,773 in North Carolina and $580,353 in New Jersey.
Which has lower taxes, North Carolina or New Jersey?
North Carolina has the lower tax burden: 8.18% of income in state and local taxes vs 10.3% in New Jersey. North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.25%, its effective property tax rate 0.73% and its combined sales tax 7%; New Jersey's are 11.75%, 2.33% and 6.6%.
Is North Carolina safer than New Jersey?
New Jersey is safer: 194 violent crimes per 100,000 residents vs 330 in North Carolina, per the FBI. North Carolina ranks #30 of 50 for violent crime and New Jersey #6. Property crime is 1,780 per 100,000 in North Carolina and 1,250 in New Jersey. The safest tracked cities are Apex, NC, and Clifton, NJ.
Are homes more expensive in North Carolina or New Jersey?
Homes are 73% more expensive in New Jersey: the typical home value is $334,773 in North Carolina and $580,353 in New Jersey. Buying the typical home takes about $87,803 of household income in North Carolina and $167,639 in New Jersey, against median incomes of $73,958 and $104,294.
Do people earn more in North Carolina or New Jersey?
New Jersey pays more: median household income is $104,294 vs $73,958 in North Carolina, per the Census Bureau. Unemployment is 3.8% in North Carolina and 5.2% in New Jersey.
Are more people moving from North Carolina to New Jersey or from New Jersey to North Carolina?
2,566 households moved from North Carolina to New Jersey and 6,003 moved from New Jersey to North Carolina in the latest IRS release, a net gain of 3,437 households for North Carolina. Movers to New Jersey reported an average income of $71,316; movers to North Carolina reported $95,271. The Census Bureau's American Community Survey, counting people, shows 4,950 people (±2,047) moving from North Carolina to New Jersey and 9,282 (±3,207) the other way, a net gain of about 4,332 people for North Carolina beyond the margin of error.
Which is better for retirees, North Carolina or New Jersey?
North Carolina is the better fit for retirees: #21 of 50 on the retiree index vs #43 for New Jersey. North Carolina has middle of the pack on income, property and sales taxes; 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 +$37,308 left after typical costs in North Carolina and +$18,501 in New Jersey.
Which is better for families, North Carolina or New Jersey?
New Jersey is the better fit for families: #20 of 50 on the families index vs #28 for North Carolina. Center-based infant care costs $13,916 a year in North Carolina and $17,977 in New Jersey. High school graduation rates are 86.4% and 85.2%. A family of four on $75,000 keeps -$8,560 after typical costs in North Carolina and -$43,804 in New Jersey.
Is New Jersey better than North Carolina?
No: North Carolina ranks higher than New Jersey overall, #23 of 50 vs #28, with a composite score of 59.1 to 55. North Carolina leads 5 of 11 categories and New Jersey leads 4, including health and safety. 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 North Carolina vs New Jersey.
Why this pair is featured: major moving corridor, most-searched matchup (6,003 households moved in the busier direction in the latest IRS release).