City comparison
No. Jersey City's crime index is 135 versus 136 in Newark, and its violent crime index is 152 versus 159, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Newark is cheaper. Median rent is $1,392 a month versus $2,007 in Jersey City.
The income gap between Newark and Jersey City is significant: $52,060 median household versus $97,710. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $1,392 in Newark and $2,007 in Jersey City.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Newark costs less and Jersey City pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Newark at $1,392 average has pockets that run $1,192 and others at $1,792: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Newark and Jersey City are 5 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,392 a month in Newark to $2,007 a month in Jersey City, up $615 a month (44%).
Median household income goes from $52,060 in Newark to $97,710 in Jersey City, up $45,650 (88%).
The crime index goes from 136 in Newark to 135 in Jersey City, down 1 points (1%).
The move
Jersey City and Newark are 5 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $2,007 a month in Jersey City to $1,392 a month in Newark, down $615 a month (31%).
Median household income goes from $97,710 in Jersey City to $52,060 in Newark, down $45,650 (47%).
The crime index goes from 135 in Jersey City to 136 in Newark, up 1 points (1%).
Newark, NJ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Jersey City, NJ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Newark and Jersey City? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
31% cheaper
Newark rent is 31% cheaper than Jersey City
Newark
Winner$1,392/mo
Jersey City
$2,007/mo
Typical rent runs $1,392 a month in Newark versus $2,007 in Jersey City, so Newark is 31% cheaper. That's roughly $615/month back in your pocket ($7,380/year). Over five years that's $36,900 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Jersey City, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Newark is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Newark? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
88% higher
Jersey City's median income is 88% higher than Newark
Newark
$52,060
Jersey City
Winner$97,710
Median household income is $97,710 in Jersey City versus $52,060 in Newark, so typical pay runs 88% higher in Jersey City (about $45,650 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Jersey City is the stronger labor market on paper. Newark can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
1% lower crime
Jersey City's crime index is 1% lower than Newark
Newark
136 (100 = avg)
Jersey City
Winner135 (100 = avg)
Jersey City's crime index is 135 versus 136 in Newark (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 1% lower in Jersey City. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Jersey City, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Newark. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
5% more comfortable
Newark weather is 5% more comfortable than Jersey City
Newark
Winner54°F avg · 60°F highs · comfort 69/100
Jersey City
53°F avg · 58°F highs · comfort 66/100
Newark averages about 54°F (60°F highs); Jersey City averages about 53°F (58°F highs). Newark averages around 54°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Jersey City averages around 53°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Newark scores 5% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Jersey City if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Outdoor enthusiasts and people who need year-round access to nature for their wellbeing
Newark is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 31% cheaper here at about $1,392 a month. Choose Newark if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Pick Newark if you are an outdoor enthusiast or you need year-round access to nature for your wellbeing. Typical conditions (54°F) beat Jersey City on this page's weather index by 5%. Jersey City may pay more or cost less, but Newark is the city where the forecast fights you less.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth
Jersey City is the better city for career-focused movers who want salary upside and professional growth. Median household income is 88% higher here ($97,710). Start with Jersey City if your next chapter is about building earnings, and make weather or nightlife a secondary screen.
Jersey City is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 1% lower than Newark (135 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Bottom line
Newark is cheaper on rent ($1,392/month vs $2,007), but Jersey City's $97,710 median income beats Newark's $52,060 by 47%. Remote workers paid on Jersey City scales can make that trade; local-market earners often cannot.
Jersey City still pays more locally ($97,710 median income vs $52,060), which can offset the lease if your field pays Jersey City rates.
Weather averages land near 54°F in Newark and 53°F in Jersey City.
Between Newark and Jersey City, Jersey City is ahead on local pay — $97,710 median income against $52,060. Lean Newark instead when keeping rent near $1,392/month beats chasing $97,710 median income.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Newark when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Newark and Jersey City, plus other cities in NJ.
