New Jersey vs Pennsylvania Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$65,048
in New Jersey
$77,240
in Pennsylvania
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | New Jersey | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 141.9 | 86.8 | +63% |
| Groceries | 103.5 | 98.5 | +5% |
| Utilities | 102.2 | 108.7 | -6% |
| Transportation | 102.1 | 104.0 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 110.8 | 93.7 | +18% |
| Dining & Misc | 104.5 | 101.2 | +3% |
| Overall | 115.3 | 97.1 | +19% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in New Jersey.
What things actually cost
| Item | New Jersey | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $500,000 | $270,000 | +$230,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,987/mo | $1,215/mo | +$772 |
| Gas price | $3.44/gal | $3.64/gal | $0.20 |
| Electric bill | $144/mo | $111/mo | +$33 |
| Infant childcare | $18,155/yr | $13,354/yr | +$4,801 |
Salary equivalent: New Jersey → Pennsylvania
What a New Jersey salary buys you in Pennsylvania, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in New Jersey | Equivalent in Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,108 | +$7,892 |
| $75,000 | $63,161 | +$11,839 |
| $100,000 | $84,215 | +$15,785 |
| $150,000 | $126,323 | +$23,677 |
| $200,000 | $168,430 | +$31,570 |
Positive = your money goes further in Pennsylvania. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
New Jersey is 19% more expensive than Pennsylvania overall. New Jersey has an index of 115.3 vs 97.1 for Pennsylvania (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is cheaper to live in. New Jersey is 19% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $500,000 in New Jersey vs $270,000 in Pennsylvania.
Is Pennsylvania cheaper than New Jersey?
Yes, Pennsylvania is 19% cheaper than New Jersey overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Jersey more expensive than Pennsylvania?
Yes, New Jersey is 19% more expensive than Pennsylvania based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Pennsylvania equals $100,000 in New Jersey?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in New Jersey, you would need approximately $84,215 in Pennsylvania. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (115.3 vs 97.1).
How do housing costs compare between New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Pennsylvania. Median home prices are $500,000 in New Jersey vs $270,000 in Pennsylvania — a $230,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,987/mo vs $1,215/mo.
What costs more in New Jersey vs Pennsylvania?
Housing is 63% higher in New Jersey (index 141.9 vs 86.8). Healthcare is 18% higher in New Jersey (index 110.8 vs 93.7). Utilities is 6% lower in New Jersey (index 102.2 vs 108.7).
Is gas cheaper in New Jersey or Pennsylvania?
Gas averages $3.44/gallon in New Jersey and $3.64/gallon in Pennsylvania — a $0.20 difference per gallon.
New Jersey vs Pennsylvania cost of living — how do they compare?
New Jersey has an overall cost-of-living index of 115.3 and Pennsylvania has 97.1 (national average = 100). New Jersey is 19% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the New Jersey vs Pennsylvania paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- New Jersey Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Pennsylvania Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- New Jersey vs Pennsylvania Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in New Jersey — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Pennsylvania — How much house can you afford?
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.