Quick answer
Pennsylvania is the lower-cost option on housing: the median home value across the app's top-scoring places is $229,250 versus $445,700. New Jersey shows +0.6% population change and Pennsylvania +0.6%. Neither is "better" for everyone — the right answer depends on your income, job, commute and the exact county you choose.
| Metric | New Jersey | Pennsylvania |
|---|---|---|
| Median home value | $445,700 | $229,250 |
| Median rent | $1,821/mo | $1,207/mo |
| Household income | $110,472 | $93,234 |
| Population change | +0.6% | +0.6% |
| Violent crime / 100k (state) | 199 | 229 |
| Home value ÷ income | 4.0× | 2.5× |
| State wage income tax | Yes | Yes |
New Jersey in numbers
Median home value
$445,700
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$1,821/mo
Household income
$110,472
Violent crime / 100k
199
New Jersey, 2025
Population change
+0.6%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+7.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
4.0×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hillsborough, NJ | 91 | $411,400 | $1,898 | $142,275 | +2.0% |
| Fair Lawn, NJ | 85 | $532,700 | $1,908 | $147,952 | +0.6% |
| Ridgewood, NJ | 82 | $882,700 | $2,340 | $217,250 | +0.1% |
| Lindenwold, NJ | 76 | $168,300 | $1,265 | $55,099 | +0.9% |
| Toms River, NJ | 76 | $377,800 | $1,678 | $95,759 | +1.2% |
| Bergenfield, NJ | 74 | $469,200 | $1,744 | $124,083 | +0.2% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunterdon County | 83 | $498,800 | $1,707 | $139,453 | +0.3% |
| Somerset County | 79 | $523,900 | $1,921 | $135,960 | +0.4% |
| Morris County | 77 | $557,000 | $1,860 | $134,929 | +0.3% |
| Burlington County | 76 | $326,700 | $1,669 | $105,271 | +0.5% |
| Sussex County | 76 | $342,800 | $1,503 | $114,316 | +0.2% |
| Gloucester County | 74 | $283,500 | $1,480 | $102,807 | +0.6% |
Pennsylvania in numbers
Median home value
$229,250
Top-scoring places
Median rent
$1,207/mo
Household income
$93,234
Violent crime / 100k
229
Pennsylvania, 2025
Population change
+0.6%
Tracked places + counties
Home value change
+8.0%
State wage income tax
Yes
Home value ÷ income
2.5×
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murrysville, PA | 75 | $316,400 | $1,495 | $120,685 | +0.1% |
| Plum, PA | 73 | $218,600 | $1,156 | $98,475 | -0.6% |
| King of Prussia, PA | 71 | $396,500 | $1,995 | $111,600 | +2.5% |
| Bethel Park, PA | 69 | $258,700 | $1,259 | $104,129 | -0.6% |
| Easton, PA | 69 | $169,200 | $1,223 | $63,775 | +0.7% |
| Baldwin, PA | 68 | $191,700 | $1,042 | $77,882 | -0.5% |
| Place | Score | Home value | Rent | Income | Pop. change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chester County | 72 | $461,800 | $1,691 | $123,041 | +0.8% |
| Cumberland County | 72 | $261,900 | $1,184 | $85,634 | +1.2% |
| Adams County | 71 | $256,100 | $1,084 | $81,071 | +0.6% |
| Butler County | 71 | $275,600 | $1,018 | $86,775 | +0.7% |
| Lancaster County | 66 | $279,400 | $1,289 | $83,703 | +0.4% |
| Perry County | 65 | $222,800 | $838 | $78,824 | +0.1% |
Verdict factors to check before you decide
- 1Price the whole address: taxes, insurance, utilities and HOA, not just the listing.
- 2Confirm the exact city, county and school assignment for the address.
- 3Drive the commute at the hours you will actually travel.
- 4Check flood, heat and storm exposure on official maps.
- 5Compare crime at the jurisdiction level, then visit at night.
Frequently asked questions
New Jersey vs. Pennsylvania: Where Should You Live in 2027?
Pennsylvania is the lower-cost option on housing: the median home value across the app's top-scoring places is $229,250 versus $445,700. New Jersey shows +0.6% population change and Pennsylvania +0.6%. Neither is "better" for everyone — the right answer depends on your income, job, commute and the exact county you choose.
What are the best places to live in New Jersey?
In the Smart Movers Club app, the top-scoring New Jersey cities are Hillsborough, Fair Lawn, Ridgewood, Lindenwold, Toms River, and the top counties are Hunterdon County, Somerset County, Morris County, Burlington County. Scores combine income, housing, growth, employment and education.
Does New Jersey have a state income tax?
Yes, New Jersey taxes wage income. Check the state revenue department for current rates and compare property and sales taxes too.
Where does this data come from?
Figures come from the Smart Movers Club app, which compiles U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates and FBI state crime rates. Census figures are survey estimates, not live listing prices.
