NJ Has One Of The Highest Costs Of Living In 2026, Here’s Why It’s Worth It

I don't think this is going to shock anyone who lives in Jersey, but once again, the Garden State has ranked as one of the most expensive states in the country to call home. However, I don't think it's as bad as people really think; let me explain.

NJ Just Ranked As One Of America's Most Expensive States To Live In

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According to the Missouri Economic and Research Information Center (MERIC), the results for the first quarter of 2026 show that the cost of living in most states is up, but in New Jersey, it's up quite a bit. From groceries to housing to healthcare, New Jersey consistently ranks as one of the more expensive places on the East Coast to live.

NJ's Higher Cost Of Living Is Worth It, However

But consider this: and this is coming from someone whose career in radio has taken them to a few different states over the years, the cost of living in New Jersey is worth it.

With The Higher Price Tag In NJ, You Get A Higher Quality Of Life

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When I lived in Pennsylvania, my overall cost of living was lower, but so was the quality of life. There weren't nearly as many community-oriented events; those free summer concerts we have all over the place didn't exist in PA the way they do in Jersey, and of course we didn't have the beaches and easy access to the water.

Wages In NJ Are Typically Higher, To Keep Up With The Cost Of Living

Another thing to consider is that the wages in Jersey are typically higher to help make up for the high cost of living. I know I can say my wife and I may be paying more living in Jersey, but we're also making nearly twice what we were in PA, doing basically the same jobs.

What Are The Most Expensive States In America To Live In?

And of course you're curious where it's more expensive to live than Jersey, right? According to MERIC, Hawaii topped the list as the most expensive place to live, followed by Massachusetts and California. Jersey ranked the 8th most expensive state, behind Maryland.

What Is The Most Affordable State In America To Live In?

The most affordable state in the country is Oklahoma... but given the choice, I'd rather pay more and live on the coast.