CostIndexUSA

Anchorage, AK vs Jersey City, NJ Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableAK
Anchorage
105.4
overall index
$1,700/mo rent
NJ
Jersey City
112.6
overall index
$3,225/mo rent

Anchorage is moderately cheaper than Jersey City — 6.8% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Anchorage, you would need $85,500 in Jersey City. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+35.2%
Anchorage
109.9
Jersey City
148.6
🛒 Groceries+2.8%
Anchorage
107.3
Jersey City
110.3
🚗 Transportation+2.4%
Anchorage
108.5
Jersey City
111.1
🏥 Healthcare+2.3%
Anchorage
98.2
Jersey City
100.5
Utilities+13.6%
Anchorage
111.8
Jersey City
127

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Anchorage to see what you'd need to earn in Jersey City to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Jersey City, NJ
$85,500
$5,500 more needed in Jersey City

Formula: salary × (112.6 ÷ 105.4) = salary × 1.0683. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Anchorage, AK

Median Home Price
$403,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,700
Housing Index
109.9
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.8×

Jersey City, NJ

Median Home Price
$703,000
Median Monthly Rent
$3,225
Housing Index
148.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.2×

Jersey City has 35.2% higher housing costs compared to Anchorage.

Income & Job Market

Anchorage, AK

Median Household Income
$94,200
Per Capita Income
$53,700
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
Population
291,538
Top Industries
GovernmentMilitaryTourismHealthcareEnergy

Jersey City, NJ

Median Household Income
$95,200
Per Capita Income
$54,300
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Population
292,449
Top Industries
FinanceHealthcareTechnologyRetailGovernment

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Anchorage, AK
4.6×income-to-rent ratio

78% of income left after rent (median)

Jersey City, NJ
2.5×income-to-rent ratio

59% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.