Source-led head-to-head · 2024 ACS
Moving from Jersey City to Phoenix
Comparing Jersey City, New Jersey, and Phoenix, Arizona, using the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates reveals distinct trade-offs in population scale, household economics, and daily transit. Jersey City records a population of 294,078, a higher median household income of $97,710, a median gross rent of $2,007, a median home value of $566,900, and a derived one-way commute of 40 minutes. Phoenix supports a much larger population of 1,642,323 with a median household income of $81,332, a median gross rent of $1,582, a median home value of $420,700, and a shorter derived one-way commute of 28 minutes. Phoenix incorporates a simplified state individual income-tax reference of 2.50%, whereas Jersey City has no approved state tax reference included. Both utilize a uniform non-housing baseline of $1,250 per month.
Moving from Jersey City to Phoenix
Moving to Phoenix saves ~$5,100/yr in rent.
~$2,500 more state tax on a $100k salary in Arizona.
Difference of ~100 hours per year spent commuting based on 2024 ACS midpoint averages.
Compare the life behind the offer.
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Search all 32,330 U.S. Census places directly below.Instant results use official 2024 ACS place data. Places with incomplete required signals remain visible in search but cannot be selected.
Directional estimate using ACS citywide benchmarks. Verified profiles may include a simplified state-tax reference; automatically added profiles exclude state tax until an official reference is approved. Exact tax, benefits, debt, housing, insurance, and personal circumstances may materially change the result.
Worth serious consideration
Your modeled annual room improves.The short answer
In the uniform one-person renting baseline, Phoenix is about $5,100 lower per year. This is not a verdict by itself: replace city medians with the actual offer, address, household, benefits, insurance, and tax details before deciding.
Housing, income, and tax reference
| Metric | Jersey City | Phoenix |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 ACS population | 294,078 | 1,642,323 |
| Median household income | $97,710 | $81,332 |
| Median gross rent | $2,007 | $1,582 |
| Median owner-occupied home value | $566,900 | $420,700 |
| State-tax treatment | Excluded | 2.5% simplified |
Time and daily routine
The commute-time distribution produces a weighted one-way estimate of about 40 minutes in Jersey City and 28 minutes in Phoenix. This citywide estimate cannot capture a specific route, remote-work schedule, or transit choice, so the calculator converts it into an explicit time difference instead of hiding it in a subjective lifestyle score.
Decision checklist
- Population scale differences
- Median household income variations
- Housing cost and rent divergence
- Derived one-way commute time comparison
What each city wins
Jersey City
Median household income of $97,710 against a $2,007 median gross rent.. Watch a derived 40-minute one-way commute estimate alongside citywide housing costs..
Phoenix
A balanced income-to-rent profile with a low flat state-tax reference. Watch the $420,700 home-value benchmark is materially above dallas despite similar commute time.
Frequently asked questions
How do the populations of Jersey City and Phoenix compare according to the 2024 ACS?
According to the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates, Jersey City has a population of 294,078, while Phoenix has a significantly larger population of 1,642,323.
What are the differences in median household income and housing costs between the two cities?
Jersey City reports a median household income of $97,710, a median gross rent of $2,007, and a median home value of $566,900. Phoenix reports a median household income of $81,332, a lower median gross rent of $1,582, and a median home value of $420,700.
Source boundary: Core figures come from the 2024 ACS five-year tables linked on each city profile. Commute is derived from B08303 midpoint weighting. A state-tax value without an approved official reference is excluded and disclosed. This comparison becomes index-eligible only after its unique analysis clears the content quality gate.