Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $978 in New Jersey versus $1,166 in Utah. Overall, New Jersey runs roughly 16% cheaper on rent than Utah, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $48,416 in New Jersey and $74,925 in Utah — about 35% higher in Utah. New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax; Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.625%
6.1%
+0.5 pp in New Jersey
Income Tax (top rate)
10.75%
4.50%
+6.3 pp in New Jersey
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$978
$1,166
+19% in Utah
Median Home Value
$337,800
$495,700
+47% in Utah
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$48,416
$74,925
+55% in Utah
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
54.9°F
52.8°F
+2.1°F in New Jersey
New Jersey vs Utah — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in New Jersey or Utah?
- New Jersey is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $978 runs about 16% below Utah's $1,166, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in New Jersey than in Utah?
- 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 $47,000 in Utah.
- Which has lower taxes, New Jersey or Utah?
- New Jersey has a top state income tax rate of 10.75% and a 6.625% state sales tax. Utah has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a 6.1% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in New Jersey/Utah — 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.