Best places to live in New Jersey
We cover 6 places in New Jersey, home to 1.11 million residents. The largest is Newark (324,000), the fastest growing since 2020 is Newark (+4%), and the lowest metro price level is in Trenton (103.2). The top state income tax rate is 10.75%. The average combined sales tax is 6.6%.
Best places to live in New Jersey, ranked
Each city gets a score out of 100 from six official measures, weighted as shown: home prices compared with income (25%), household income (15%), population growth since 2020 (15%), short commutes (15%), comfortable months of weather (15%) and low poverty (15%). Scores compare all 546 large US cities, so a 70 in New Jersey means the same as a 70 anywhere. See the national ranking and method.
| # | City | Score | Home value to income | Income | Growth | Commute | Comfortable months |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clifton | 49 | 4.7× | $98,237 | +1.4% | 28 min | 3 |
| 2 | Trenton | 48 | 3.1× | $52,537 | +0.8% | 27 min | 7 |
| 3 | Jersey City | 44 | 5.8× | $97,710 | +3.2% | 37 min | 6 |
| 4 | Elizabeth | 39 | 6.8× | $66,555 | +3.2% | 27 min | 6 |
| 5 | Paterson | 28 | 6.4× | $55,997 | +1.3% | 23 min | 3 |
| 6 | Newark | 27 | 7.2× | $52,060 | +4% | 33 min | 6 |
Best for retirees, young professionals or families? Every city page shows all four scores, and the city quiz ranks cities by what matters to you.
Largest cities in New Jersey
| City | Population 2025 | Growth | Home value | Rent | Income | Price level | Jan high | Jul high |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 323,808 | +4% | $373,700 | $1,392 | $52,060 | 112.6 | 40° | 87° |
| Jersey City | 302,013 | +3.2% | $566,900 | $2,007 | $97,710 | 112.6 | 40° | 87° |
| Paterson | 161,793 | +1.3% | $360,100 | $1,548 | $55,997 | 112.6 | 40° | 85° |
| Elizabeth | 141,675 | +3.2% | $449,300 | $1,523 | $66,555 | 112.6 | 40° | 87° |
| Trenton | 91,506 | +0.8% | $160,700 | $1,294 | $52,537 | 103.2 | 40° | 86° |
| Clifton | 91,127 | +1.4% | $461,900 | $1,711 | $98,237 | 112.6 | 40° | 85° |
Taxes in New Jersey
New Jersey has a graduated income tax with a top rate of 10.75% in 2026. The state sales tax is 6.63%, and with the average local rate added it comes to 6.6%. Source: Tax Foundation, 2026. Local income taxes are not included.
Top parks and sights in New Jersey
The New Jersey parks, museums, landmarks and natural wonders people know best. Tap Been or Want to add them to your city passport.
- Princeton Art Museum Museum
- Drew University Botanical garden
Places from Wikidata (CC0), ranked by how many Wikipedia language editions cover them.