Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $978 in New Jersey. Overall, New Jersey runs roughly 22% cheaper on rent than Arizona, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $48,416 in New Jersey — about 37% higher in Arizona. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
6.625%
+1.0 pp in New Jersey
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
10.75%
+8.3 pp in New Jersey
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$978
+22% in Arizona
Median Home Value
$364,300
$337,800
+7% in Arizona
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$48,416
+37% in Arizona
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
54.9°F
+20.2°F in Arizona
Arizona vs New Jersey — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or New Jersey?
- New Jersey is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $978 runs about 22% below Arizona's $1,253, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona than in New Jersey?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $39,000 in New Jersey.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or New Jersey?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/1 cities we track in Arizona/New Jersey — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.