Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2000–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Composite cost index.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | New Jersey | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 108.8 | 100 |
- •New Jersey's cost of living is about 13% above the U.S. average, driven mostly by housing and property taxes.
Housing Costs
Housing component of the index.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | New Jersey | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 134.3 | 100 |
- •Housing costs in New Jersey are roughly 29% above the national average.
Utility Costs
Energy and utility spending.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (New York–Newark–Jersey City)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APUS12A72610).
| Indicator | New Jersey | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 114.2 | 100 |
- •About three quarters of New Jersey homes heat with natural gas.
Food Costs
Grocery spending.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (New York–Newark–Jersey City)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, New York–Newark–Jersey City, annual average (CUURS12ASAF1).
| Indicator | New Jersey | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 107.1 | 100 |
- •Dense suburban retail keeps New Jersey grocery prices close to those of New York City.
Healthcare Costs
Medical spending.
Medical care price index (New York–Newark–Jersey City)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, New York–Newark–Jersey City, annual average (CUURS12ASAM).
- •Healthcare costs run about 6% below the U.S. average despite high incomes.
Transportation Costs
Cost of getting around.
Regular gasoline price
1994–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Central Atlantic region (PADD 1B), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R1Y_DPG).
| Indicator | New Jersey | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.36 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
- •New Jersey is one of only two states where attendants must pump your gas.