California
High tax burden · COL index 142
Wins 3 categories
New Jersey
Very High tax burden · COL index 121
Wins 9 categories
California's top income tax rate is 13.3% vs New Jersey's 10.75%. Cost of living in California (index 142) runs 17% higher than New Jersey (index 121). Property taxes are meaningfully different: New Jersey averages 2.13% annually vs California's 0.71%. The median home in California costs $790K vs $500K in New Jersey.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
3
California
9
New Jersey
Run the full slider tool to score these states against your specific income, home value, retirement, and lifestyle priorities.
Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
Is it better to live in New Jersey or California?
Adjusting to the Pace of Life New Jersey offers a faster pace of life compared to many areas of California. While California is known for its laid-back vibe, especially in places like Los Angeles or Santa Barbara, New Jersey can feel more fast-paced, especially in areas near New York City.
Is $70,000 enough to live in California?
Is $70k Enough to Live in Los Angeles? A $70,000 salary in Los Angeles is enough to get by, but you'll need to be strategic. LA is one of the most expensive cities in the U.S., and while $70K sounds solid, it often lands just under what's considered a "comfortable" income for solo renters.
Why are people moving out of NJ?
What is the 183 day rule in New Jersey?
A Resident of New Jersey is an individual that is domiciled in New Jersey for the tax year or an individual that maintains a permanent home in New Jersey and spends more than 183 days in the state. A Nonresident of New Jersey is an individual that was not domiciled in New Jersey.