Best State to Live In Comparison
Quality of Life

New Jersey vs New York: Best State to Live In

New Jersey scores higher as a state to live in New York.

New Jersey flag
New Jersey
NJ • Northeast
Winner
59.81
Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.
New York flag
New York
NY • Northeast
57.94
Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.

Visual Comparison

New Jersey 59.81
New York 57.94

Difference: 1.87 points — New Jersey leads.

National Rankings

Where They Rank Nationally

See where both states fall among all 50 states for best state to live in.

New Jersey #3 · 59.81
New York #8 · 57.94
Lowest Highest

Top 10 States — Best State to Live In

#1 Massachusetts flag Massachusetts
60.23
#2 Idaho flag Idaho
60.19
#3 New Jersey flag New Jersey
59.81
#4 Wisconsin flag Wisconsin
59.66
#5 Minnesota flag Minnesota
58.69
#6 Florida flag Florida
58.51
#7 New Hampshire flag New Hampshire
58.21
#8 New York flag New York
57.94
#9 Utah flag Utah
57.94
#10 Pennsylvania flag Pennsylvania
57.90

New Jersey ranks 3rd and New York ranks 8th nationally for best state to live in.

What This Means

New Jersey vs New York: Best State to Live In in context

New Jersey has a best state to live in of 59.81, compared with 57.94 in New York. Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.

New Jersey
59.81
New York
57.94
Difference
1.87 points

People Also Ask

New Jersey vs New York Best State to Live In — Common Questions

Q What is New Jersey's best state to live in?

New Jersey's best state to live in is 59.81.

Q What is New York's best state to live in?

New York's best state to live in is 57.94.

Q Which state has a higher best state to live in — New Jersey or New York?

New Jersey scores higher as a state to live in New York.

Sources: Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset; purchasing-power figures use BEA Regional Price Parities. Minimum wage data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker.