Staten Island, NY, and Jersey City, NJ, are both major urban areas close to New York City, offering residents and tourists unique experiences. While both provide access to extensive job opportunities, cultural attractions, and excellent education, there are distinct differences between the two. This comparative analysis looks at factors such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, education, and more to help you understand the differences between living or visiting Staten Island and Jersey City.
In terms of safety, both Staten Island and Jersey City have some areas of concern. Jersey City, being more urbanized, tends to have higher crime rates. On the other hand, Staten Island, as a part of New York City, has seen a decrease in crime over the years and is considered safer among the five boroughs. Both cities have dedicated police departments working on improving safety conditions.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Jersey City tends to be slightly lower than in Staten Island. Staten Island, being a part of New York City, has higher rent and property prices. Grocery, utility costs, and other day-to-day expenses could also be higher in Staten Island compared to Jersey City.
Income Tax
New York State and City tax income at varying rates, potentially higher compared to New Jersey. Jersey City residents are subject to New Jersey state income tax, which typically has lower rates compared to New York.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are significantly higher in New Jersey compared to New York. This means that homeowners in Jersey City will typically pay more in property taxes compared to homeowners in Staten Island.
Sales Tax
The sales tax rates are quite similar in both cities. As of 2022, the sales tax rate in Jersey City is 6.625% while in Staten Island it's 8.875%, accounting for additional city sales tax.
Income
Type
Staten Island
Jersey City
Estimated median household income
$86,054
$81,958
Estimated per capita income
$38,678
$51,119
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
164.1
123.5
If you make $50,000 in Jersey City, you will have to make $66,437 in Staten Island to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, both Staten Island and Jersey City offer waterfront living. Staten Island has a more suburban feel with parks and green spaces. Jersey City is more urbanized with a developed waterfront and high-rise buildings offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.
Geographical information
Type
Staten Island
Jersey City
Land area
58.5 sq. miles
14.9 sq. miles
Population density
8,225.7 people per sq. mile
19,035 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Staten Island, NY Jersey City, NJ
Education
Both Staten Island and Jersey City have a number of quality education facilities. However, Staten Island’s public schools are often rated higher than those in Jersey City. Both cities also offer private school alternatives. There are also several colleges and universities in and around both cities.
Both cities benefit from their proximity to New York City, providing thousands of job opportunities across various sectors. However, the economic environment in Jersey City, with its urban setting, can be more dynamic and diverse than Staten Island, with plenty of opportunities in finance, technology, and healthcare.
Biggest Employers
Staten Island's biggest employers are the city government, Staten Island University Hospital, and Amazon. Jersey City's economy is dominated by finance and banking firms such as Goldman Sachs, Chase Bank, and Merrill Lynch.
In Staten Island (Richmond County), 50.8% voted for Democrats and 48.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Jersey City (Hudson County), 77.7% voted for Democrats and 21.5% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Staten Island
Jersey City
Staten Island
Jersey City
Staten Island
Jersey City
2020
42.2%
72.8%
57.1%
26.4%
0.7%
0.8%
2016
41.0%
74.6%
56.1%
22.3%
2.9%
3.1%
2012
50.8%
77.7%
48.3%
21.5%
0.9%
0.9%
2008
47.8%
73.3%
51.9%
26.3%
0.4%
0.4%
2004
42.8%
67.4%
56.5%
32.1%
0.7%
0.5%
2000
52.1%
71.0%
45.1%
26.3%
2.9%
2.7%
1996
50.5%
69.9%
40.8%
23.1%
8.7%
7.0%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Staten Island
Jersey City
Staten Island
Jersey City
CATHOLIC CHURCH
54.2%
44.3%
20.6%
13.9%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.7%
3.3%
3.0%
3.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.6%
0.8%
1.0%
4.7%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.4%
4.0%
5.8%
COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH
0.5%
0.7%
1.0%
1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
5.0%
3.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.2%
0.4%
3.5%
3.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.1%
0.5%
2.5%
3.9%
Weather
Weather conditions are somewhat similar in both locations due to their geographical proximity. They experience a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters can be cold with snowfall on occasion. The weather could affect commuting and outdoor activities, particularly during winter and on excessively hot summer days.
Weather and climate
Type
Staten Island
Jersey City
Temperature - Average
54.1°F
54.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
67.4%
67.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
29.9%
29.7%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
77%
76.9%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
47.2%
47.2%
Precipitation - Yearly average
47.4 in
47.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
60 in
58.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15.8%
16.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.2%
60.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
64%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
44%
44%
Wind speed - Average
10.5 mph
9.2 mph
Average climate in Staten Island, New York
Average climate in Jersey City, New Jersey
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Staten Island
Jersey City
Staten Island
Jersey City
Staten Island
Jersey City
Staten Island
Jersey City
Staten Island
Jersey City
Staten Island
Jersey City
Staten Island
Jersey City
Staten Island
Jersey City
2018
94
93
0.35
0.33
17.1
19.2
24.1
23.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.9
9.2
0.4
0.6
2017
98
95
0.32
0.33
17.0
20.1
27.0
23.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.6
10.6
0.2
0.5
2016
94
93
0.37
0.37
17.9
20.5
28.5
24.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.7
9.6
0.2
0.7
2015
102
100
0.39
0.58
18.9
17.8
27.3
24.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.6
7.5
0.4
0.5
2014
97
95
0.38
0.56
19.2
18.5
25.6
23.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.3
7.1
0.7
0.7
2013
99
96
0.39
0.63
19.6
18.8
27.8
23.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
8.5
8.0
0.8
0.6
2012
102
98
0.42
0.69
19.3
18.2
26.9
23.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.2
9.3
1.4
1.0
2011
108
107
0.42
0.59
21.4
20.4
28.1
22.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.2
10.1
2.0
2.3
2010
114
112
0.40
0.52
19.9
19.0
28.7
24.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.4
10.4
1.8
1.8
2009
105
104
0.39
0.53
22.5
20.8
25.3
20.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.5
12.4
2.4
2.4
2008
111
108
0.39
0.57
23.0
21.9
24.3
21.2
0.013
0.013
N/A
N/A
11.3
17.3
3.4
3.5
2007
123
120
0.44
0.65
24.2
22.8
23.3
21.6
0.016
0.016
N/A
N/A
12.0
14.0
4.3
4.1
2006
117
116
0.55
0.86
25.6
23.8
24.7
20.9
0.018
0.018
N/A
N/A
13.1
12.7
5.3
6.0
2005
112
107
0.69
1.04
27.3
25.2
23.3
19.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
7.3
7.8
2004
109
106
0.68
1.06
26.4
24.8
22.2
18.8
0.030
0.030
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
6.9
8.3
2003
112
107
0.76
1.07
28.0
26.5
22.1
18.2
0.006
0.019
26.9
26.8
N/A
N/A
7.1
8.6
2002
125
122
0.74
1.02
30.6
27.4
24.7
19.7
0.008
0.008
26.1
26.3
N/A
N/A
6.6
7.0
2001
124
121
0.81
1.02
32.4
28.9
24.9
23.8
0.020
0.020
26.9
28.2
N/A
N/A
7.2
9.0
2000
116
115
0.93
1.13
33.0
29.3
23.1
22.2
0.022
0.022
22.2
22.2
N/A
N/A
7.2
7.8
Natural disasters
Type
Staten Island
Jersey City
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
61.3%
60.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
31.2%
31.3%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
21%
Transportation
Jersey City has extensive public transit options, including the PATH train to Manhattan, buses, and a light rail. Staten Island is served by the Staten Island Ferry, express, and local buses with service to Manhattan. Commuting from Jersey City to NYC tends to be faster due to its closer proximity.
Transport
Type
Staten Island
Jersey City
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
39
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
2
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Staten Island
Jersey City
Bicycle
0.2%
1%
Bus
19.2%
8.5%
Carpooled
12.1%
10.9%
Car alone
54.3%
56.2%
Ferryboat
5.3%
0.5%
Railroad
0.9%
2.2%
Streetcar
0%
6.8%
Subway
2.6%
1.8%
Taxicab
0.4%
0.4%
Walked
2.9%
10.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Staten Island
Jersey City
Average
45.3 min
37.9 min
Real Estate
Real estate costs in both cities are high due to their proximity to New York City. However, Jersey City’s property prices are generally lower than Staten Island's, making it more affordable. Both cities offer a mix of apartment-style living and single-family homes.
Neighborhoods
Jersey City's neighborhoods are diverse with a bustling community, with each offering a distinct culture and lifestyle. Staten Island's neighborhoods are more spread out and suburban in nature, offering more space for families. Neighborhoods in both cities are usually safe, clean, and community-driven.
Houses and residents
Type
Staten Island
Jersey City
Houses
163,993
131,609
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.5
Houses occupied
156,341 (95.3%)
119,158 (90.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
99,732 (63.8%)
34,358 (28.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
56,609 (36.2%)
84,800 (71.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,320
$3,976
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$369,853
$189,931
Estimated median house or condo value
$605,500
$487,400
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.9
3.5
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
4.9
Renting percentage
35.9%
70.5%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
2,804.3
8,823.3
Household income disparities
43.8%
47.2%
Housing units without a mortgage
19,289 (25%)
238 (1.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
160 (0.2%)
1,275 (5.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
57,986 (75%)
21,710 (98.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
5,623 (7.3%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
4,499 (5.8%)
1,438 (6.6%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.6%
2.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
7,611
6,079
State government workers
6,285
4,015
Unpaid family workers
394
400
Industries and Occupations
In both cities, the healthcare, finance, and education sectors dominate. In addition, retail and food services are also prominent sectors. Jersey City has a higher concentration of finance and technology professionals due to its proximity to Manhattan's financial district and the emerging tech sector in the region.
Both Staten Island and Jersey City offer excellent health care facilities. Staten Island University Hospital and Richmond University Medical Center serve Staten Island residents, while the Jersey City Medical Center is the leading provider in Jersey City.
Jersey City boasts a modern infrastructure with high-rise buildings and contemporary architecture, reflecting its ongoing economic development. Staten Island, while not as dense or high-rise as Jersey City, also has modern infrastructure but retains a more suburban feel.
Infrastructure
Type
Staten Island
Jersey City
Hospitals
25
6
TV stations
30
30
Bank branches located here
104
58
Bank institutions located here
19
18
Main business address for public companies
1
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
0
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
3
3
Schools
School facilities
Type
Staten Island
Jersey City
Private elementary/middle schools
22
15
Private high schools
13
5
Public elementary/middle schools
63
39
Public high schools
16
13
Colleges/Universities
5
10
Culture and Food
Both cities offer a rich cultural scene and a diverse food landscape. Staten Island has a unique mix of urban and suburban cultures, while Jersey City is diverse and known for its immigrant communities and their influence on local cuisine and art.
Sports Teams
Being near New York City, residents in both cities have access to numerous professional sports teams including the New York Yankees, New York Mets, New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, and more. Jersey City residents also support the New Jersey Devils, a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, NJ.
Staten Island, NY
Jersey City, NJ
