Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $978 in New Jersey versus $1,080 in Oregon. Overall, New Jersey runs roughly 9% cheaper on rent than Oregon, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $48,416 in New Jersey and $71,900 in Oregon — about 33% higher in Oregon. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax; Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.625%
None
+6.6 pp in New Jersey
Income Tax (top rate)
10.75%
9.90%
+0.8 pp in New Jersey
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$978
$1,080
+10% in Oregon
Median Home Value
$337,800
$435,400
+29% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$48,416
$71,900
+49% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
53.0°F
+1.9°F in New Jersey
New Jersey vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or Oregon?
- New Jersey is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $978 runs about 9% below Oregon's $1,080, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New Jersey than in Oregon?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $39,000 a year in New Jersey versus $43,000 in Oregon.
- Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or Oregon?
- New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in New Jersey/Oregon — 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.