Last Updated: October 23, 2025 | By: Robert DeFalco Realty Team | Reading Time: 12 minutes

Picture this: You’re looking at two nearly identical $500,000 homes—one in Bergen County, New Jersey, and one on Staten Island. The New Jersey home costs you $11,650 in annual property taxes. The Staten Island home? Just $4,250. That’s a $7,400 yearly difference, or $617 more per month before you even factor in your mortgage payment.

For Staten Island residents eyeing New Jersey’s larger homes and yards, or New Jersey homeowners considering a move to New York, property taxes represent one of the most significant—and often surprising—cost differentials between these neighboring markets. At Robert DeFalco Realty, we’ve guided hundreds of families through this exact decision over our 30+ years serving both the New York and New Jersey real estate markets.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the real numbers, walks you through how property taxes are calculated in both states, introduces you to powerful relief programs that can save you thousands annually, and provides the strategic insights you need to make an informed decision about where to call home.

NJ Property Tax Rates: The Complete Picture

New Jersey consistently holds the dubious distinction of having the highest property taxes in the United States. According to the New Jersey Division of Taxation and multiple independent analyses, the Garden State’s effective property tax rate sits between 2.23% and 2.33%—more than double the national average of 0.90%.

How NJ Property Taxes Are Calculated

New Jersey uses an “ad valorem” system, meaning taxes are based on your property’s assessed market value. Here’s the straightforward formula:

Annual Property Tax = Assessed Value × Local Tax Rate

Let’s break this down with a real example:

Home Value: $400,000
Assessment: 100% of market value ($400,000)
Tax Rate: 2.23% (state average)
Annual Tax Bill: $8,920

Unlike some states that assess properties at a fraction of market value, all 21 New Jersey counties assess properties at 100% of true market value. This means your tax calculation is straightforward but often shocking when you see the final number.

Why are NJ property taxes so high? Three primary factors drive New Jersey’s tax burden:

Local Government Funding Model: New Jersey relies heavily on property taxes to fund local services rather than state-level income or sales taxes distributed to municipalities.
School Funding: Public schools in New Jersey receive the majority of their funding from local property taxes rather than state budgets—typically 50-60% of your property tax bill goes to schools.
Home Rule Tradition: New Jersey’s strong “home rule” philosophy means each of the state’s 565 municipalities operates independently with its own budget needs, leading to fragmented—and expensive—service delivery.

NJ Property Tax Rates by County

Property tax rates vary dramatically across New Jersey. Moving just a few miles can mean thousands of dollars in annual savings or additional costs. Here’s how the major counties near Staten Island compare:

County	Effective Tax Rate	Median Home Value	Median Annual Tax Bill
Bergen	2.05%	$489,000	$10,025
Essex	2.05%	$380,000	$7,790
Hudson	1.91%	$487,900	$9,318
Monmouth	1.89%	$519,300	$9,817
Union	2.03%	$350,000	$7,105
Middlesex	2.29%	$411,600	$9,426

Important Note: These are county averages. Within each county, individual towns can have rates ranging from under 1.5% to over 3.5%. For example, in Bergen County, Teterboro has an effective rate around 0.60%, while Tenafly sits closer to 2.40%.

The takeaway? Location matters enormously in New Jersey. Strategic buyers can save $5,000 to $10,000 annually by choosing a home in a lower-tax municipality while remaining in the same general area with similar commute times.

Property Taxes in New York: Staten Island, Brooklyn & Manhattan

New York’s property tax system operates fundamentally differently than New Jersey’s, resulting in significantly lower effective rates despite New York City’s high property values.

How NYC Property Taxes Work Differently

New York City uses a complex four-class property tax system with a critical distinction: properties are taxed based on assessed value, not market value. For Class 1 properties (one-, two-, and three-family homes), the assessed value equals just 6% of market value.

Here’s how it works:

Market Value Determined: Assessors establish your home’s fair market value based on comparable sales.
Assessment Ratio Applied: For Class 1 homes, they multiply market value by 6% to get assessed value.
Tax Rate Applied: The tax rate is applied to the assessed value, not the market value.

Example Calculation:

Market Value: $500,000
Assessed Value: $500,000 × 6% = $30,000
Tax Rate: 18.569% (Class 1 rate for 2024-2025)
Calculation: $30,000 × 0.18569 = $5,571 annual tax bill

This creates an effective tax rate of approximately 1.11% on market value—less than half of New Jersey’s average rate.

Additionally, NYC limits annual assessment increases to 6% per year and 20% over five years, providing predictability and protection from sudden tax spikes that can occur in New Jersey after municipal revaluations.

Staten Island Property Tax Reality

Staten Island (Richmond County) has the highest property tax rate among New York City’s five boroughs, yet it remains dramatically lower than most New Jersey municipalities.

Staten Island Tax Profile (2025 Data):

Effective Tax Rate: 0.85%
Median Home Value: $698,000
Median Annual Tax Bill: $5,884
National Comparison: Lower than the national median of 0.99%

For context, compare Staten Island to other NYC boroughs:

Borough	Effective Tax Rate	Median Annual Bill
Staten Island (Richmond)	0.85%	$5,884
Brooklyn (Kings)	0.68%	$2,580
Manhattan (New York)	0.88%	$3,921
Queens	0.91%	$2,609
Bronx	0.79%	$2,191

Staten Island’s slightly higher rate reflects its suburban character with more single-family homes (which receive less favorable assessment treatment under NYC’s system), but even at the highest borough rate, Staten Island homeowners pay substantially less than their New Jersey counterparts across the river.

The Real Cost Comparison: NJ vs NY Property Taxes

Let’s move beyond percentages and look at what these differences mean for your actual monthly budget. The numbers become stark when you calculate real-world scenarios.

Side-by-Side Comparison: Same Home Value, Different States

Scenario 1: $400,000 Home

Location	Effective Rate	Annual Tax	Monthly Impact	30-Year Total
Bergen County, NJ	2.05%	$8,200	$683	$246,000
Staten Island, NY	0.85%	$3,400	$283	$102,000
Difference	—	$4,800/year	$400/month	$144,000

Scenario 2: $600,000 Home

Location	Effective Rate	Annual Tax	Monthly Impact	30-Year Total
Hudson County, NJ	1.91%	$11,460	$955	$343,800
Staten Island, NY	0.85%	$5,100	$425	$153,000
Difference	—	$6,360/year	$530/month	$190,800

Scenario 3: $750,000 Home

Location	Effective Rate	Annual Tax	Monthly Impact	30-Year Total
Monmouth County, NJ	1.89%	$14,175	$1,181	$425,250
Staten Island, NY	0.85%	$6,375	$531	$191,250
Difference	—	$7,800/year	$650/month	$234,000

What the Numbers Really Mean for Your Budget

These differences extend far beyond your monthly payment. Consider the full financial impact:

Mortgage Qualification: Lenders calculate your debt-to-income ratio including property taxes. A $530 monthly property tax difference means you could qualify for approximately $90,000 more in home purchase price in Staten Island versus New Jersey (assuming 28% front-end DTI ratio).

Opportunity Cost: That $6,360 annual difference, if invested in a conservative index fund averaging 7% returns, compounds to over $630,000 over 30 years.

Tax Deduction Limits: Under current federal tax law, the SALT (State and Local Tax) deduction caps at $10,000 annually. New Jersey homeowners frequently exceed this cap with property taxes alone, losing the tax benefit on thousands of dollars. Staten Island homeowners typically remain below the cap, preserving their full deduction.

Commute Trade-offs: Many families move to New Jersey seeking more space and lower home prices. However, longer commutes (common from NJ suburbs into Manhattan) create additional costs:

Transportation: NJ Transit monthly pass to Manhattan: $300-$450
Vehicle expenses: Additional 20-30 miles daily = $200-300/month in gas, maintenance, insurance
Time value: 90-minute commute vs. 45-minute commute = 7.5 hours/week of lost personal time

When you factor in these hidden costs, the property tax savings from living in Staten Island often exceed the perceived benefits of lower New Jersey home prices.

2025 NJ Property Tax Relief Programs: ANCHOR, Senior Freeze & Stay NJ

New Jersey offers several meaningful property tax relief programs that can reduce your annual burden by $1,500 to $6,500 or more. The state recently streamlined the application process with a single combined form (PAS-1) covering all three major programs.

ANCHOR Program: Who Qualifies & How Much You Can Save

The Affordable New Jersey Communities for Homeowners and Renters (ANCHOR) program replaced the former Homestead Benefit and provides direct property tax credits to eligible New Jersey residents.

2025 Homeowner Benefits:

Income under $150,000: Up to $1,500 credit
Income $150,000-$250,000: Up to $1,000 credit

2025 Renter Benefits:

Income under $150,000: Up to $450 credit

Eligibility Requirements:

New Jersey resident for entire tax year
Property is your principal residence
Met income thresholds for the benefit year
Paid property taxes (for homeowners) or rent (for renters)

Application Details:

Deadline: October 31, 2025
Application: Online at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov or via paper Form PAS-1
Payment Timeline: Most applicants receive payment within 90 days of filing

The New Jersey Division of Taxation automatically filed ANCHOR applications for many eligible residents under age 65. If you received an ANCHOR Benefit Confirmation Letter in August 2025, your filing was completed automatically. However, seniors and those receiving Social Security disability must file their own PAS-1 application to receive ANCHOR benefits.

Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement)

The Senior Freeze program doesn’t actually freeze your property taxes at a set amount—instead, it reimburses you for property tax increases after you establish a “base year.”

How It Works:

Once you qualify and establish your base year, the state reimburses you for the difference between your base year taxes and any increases in subsequent years. For example:

Base Year (2023): Property taxes = $8,000
2024: Property taxes increase to $8,500
Reimbursement: You receive $500

The following year, if taxes rise to $9,200, you’d receive $1,200 (the difference between $8,000 and $9,200).

2025 Eligibility Requirements:

Age 65 or older on December 31, 2023 (or receiving Social Security disability benefits)
New Jersey resident for at least 10 years
Income of $168,268 or less in 2024 and $163,050 or less in 2023
Principal residence must be the same property for both years (with limited exceptions)

New in 2025: Applicants no longer need to provide proof of property taxes paid with their application—the Division of Taxation verifies this information directly with municipal tax collectors.

Stay NJ Program (New in 2025)

Stay NJ is New Jersey’s newest property tax relief program, designed specifically for senior homeowners to help them afford to age in place.

Benefit Amount:

Eligible homeowners receive up to 50% of their property tax bill, capped at $6,500 annually.

Eligibility Requirements:

Age 65 or older
New Jersey resident
Principal residence owned and occupied
Meet income requirements (specific thresholds to be finalized in 2026 state budget)

Payment Schedule:

Stay NJ payments are made quarterly (February, May, August, November) starting in 2026. The first two quarters (February and May 2026) are subject to Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget appropriation; the second two quarters require Fiscal Year 2027 Budget appropriation.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide

New Jersey has streamlined property tax relief through the combined PAS-1 application:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Under 65 and not receiving Social Security disability: Many residents had ANCHOR applications automatically filed. Check if you received a confirmation letter in August 2025.
65 or older OR receiving Social Security disability benefits: You must file a PAS-1 application yourself, even if you only qualify for ANCHOR.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

2023 and 2024 NJ-1040 tax returns (or income documentation if not required to file)
Property tax bills for 2023 and 2024 showing:
- County/Municipality Code
- Block/Lot/Qualifier
- Tax amounts paid
Social Security number
Bank account information for direct deposit (optional but recommended)

Step 3: File Your Application

Online Filing (Recommended):

Visit propertytaxrelief.nj.gov
Identity verification through ID.me required (have government-issued ID ready)
Application saves progress automatically
Immediate confirmation upon submission

Paper Filing:

Download Form PAS-1 from NJ Division of Taxation website
Complete all applicable sections
Mail to address listed on form

Step 4: Track Your Application

Check application status at propertytaxrelief.nj.gov

Step 5: Receive Your Benefits

Senior Freeze: Payments started July 15, 2025, on a rolling basis
ANCHOR: Payments started September 15, 2025, on a rolling basis
Stay NJ: Quarterly payments starting in 2026

In late 2025, the Division of Taxation will send you a detailed letter outlining exactly which programs you qualified for and the benefit amounts for each.

Pro Tip: Even if you think your income might be slightly over the threshold, file anyway. Income limits are adjusted annually, and some income types are excluded from the calculation. The worst case is you don’t qualify; the best case is you receive thousands in annual relief.

New York Property Tax Relief & Exemptions

New York offers its own set of property tax relief programs, though they generally provide smaller absolute savings given the lower baseline property tax burden.

STAR Program Basics

The School Tax Relief (STAR) program is New York’s largest property tax relief initiative, providing exemptions on the school portion of property taxes for owner-occupied primary residences.

Basic STAR:

Available to all homeowners regardless of age
Income limit: $500,000 (2025)
Benefit: Approximately $300-$500 annually depending on school district

Enhanced STAR (for seniors):

Age 65 or older
Income limit: $98,700 (2025)
Benefit: Approximately $1,000-$1,500 annually

How to Apply:

New applicants: Register online through the NYS Tax Department
Existing recipients: Benefits automatically renew if you remain eligible
Credit vs. Exemption: New registrants receive a credit check; those who registered before 2016 receive a direct exemption on their tax bill

NYC-Specific Exemptions

New York City offers several additional exemption programs for qualifying homeowners:

Senior Citizens Homeowners’ Exemption (SCHE):

Age 65 or older
Income limits range from $29,000 to $58,399 (with sliding scale benefits)
Reduces assessed value by 5% to 50% depending on income
Combined with Enhanced STAR, this can reduce senior property taxes by 40-60%

Disabled Homeowners’ Exemption (DHE):

Must have qualifying disability
Income limits: $29,000 to $58,399
Similar sliding scale reductions as SCHE

Veterans Exemption:

Eligible veterans receive 15% reduction in assessed value
Combat veterans may receive additional exemptions
Disabled veterans can receive up to 50% exemption

How to Apply for NYC Exemptions:

File with NYC Department of Finance by March 15 annually
Online applications available at nyc.gov/finance
Required documentation: proof of age, income, disability status, or military service

How to Lower Your Property Tax Bill: Appeals & Strategies

Beyond relief programs, you can actively work to reduce your property tax assessment through appeals and strategic location choices.

When to Appeal Your Assessment (NJ)

New Jersey homeowners have the right to appeal their property assessment if they believe it exceeds the property’s true market value.

Signs Your Assessment May Be Too High:

Recent comparable sales in your neighborhood sold for significantly less than your assessed value
Your assessment increased dramatically after a town-wide revaluation
Your property has damage, defects, or limitations not reflected in the assessment
Neighboring comparable properties have notably lower assessments

The Appeal Process:

County Board of Taxation Appeal (First Level):
- Deadline: April 1 (or 45 days after bulk mailing of assessment notices)
- Filing fee: Typically $5-$25
- Process: Informal hearing before county board; you present evidence
- Timeline: Decision typically within 2-4 months
Tax Court Appeal (Second Level):
- If dissatisfied with county board decision
- More formal legal process; attorney recommended
- Higher filing fees

Success Rates: According to tax appeal data, 10-25% assessment reductions are common when homeowners present solid comparable sales data. A successful appeal on a $500,000 assessment in a town with a 2.2% tax rate saves approximately $1,100-$2,750 annually.

Real Example: A Bergen County homeowner discovered their $475,000 assessment was 12% higher than three comparable neighboring properties that sold between $410,000 and $425,000. After presenting this evidence to the county board, the assessment was reduced to $425,000, saving $1,100 annually in property taxes.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional:

DIY: Best when you have clear comparable sales data and modest assessment issues
Tax Attorney/Consultant: Consider for assessments over $600,000 or complex appeals. Many work on contingency (25-50% of first-year savings)

When to Appeal Your Assessment (NY)

New York City property owners can challenge their assessed value through several mechanisms:

Assessment Review Process:

Deadline: March 1 (for changes to affect July tax bill) or by the petition deadline for the Tax Commission
Method: File online through NYC Department of Finance
Evidence: Recent sales comparables, property defects, income/expense statements for income properties

SCRIE/DRIE Programs:

While not technically appeals, the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE) and Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE) freeze rents for eligible tenants, with the city compensating landlords through property tax abatements.

Choosing Low-Tax Towns Strategically

Location is your most powerful long-term property tax strategy. Smart buyers research tax rates before making an offer.

NJ Towns with Rates Under 1.5% (Near Staten Island):

While rare, several New Jersey municipalities maintain effective property tax rates significantly below the state average:

Teterboro (Bergen County): 0.60% (industrial/commercial area with limited residential)
Walpack Township (Sussex County): 0.63% (rural, limited services)
Tavistock (Camden County): 0.88% (small, exclusive community)

More Realistic Low-Tax Options with Good Services:

Audubon (Camden County): 1.49%
Stratford (Camden County): 1.52%
Woodbine (Cape May County): 1.54%

Important Considerations:

Lower tax rates often correlate with fewer services, longer commutes, or lower-rated schools
Calculate total cost of ownership: property taxes + commuting costs + time value
Research school district ratings if you have children
Investigate reasons for low rates: Is it due to large commercial ratables or simply lower budgets?

Using Data to Make Smart Choices:

Before making an offer on any New Jersey home, verify current property taxes at NJ Property Tax Portal. Compare the effective rate to neighboring towns with similar housing stock and school ratings.

FAQs: NJ vs NY Property Taxes

Q: Why are NJ property taxes so much higher than NY?

New Jersey funds local services—particularly schools—almost entirely through property taxes rather than distributed state income or sales tax revenue. New York City uses a more centralized funding model with diverse revenue streams (income tax, sales tax, business taxes) that reduce reliance on property taxes. Additionally, NYC’s assessment method (taxing 6% of market value rather than 100%) creates lower effective rates.

Q: Is Staten Island cheaper than NJ for property taxes?

Yes, significantly. Staten Island’s 0.85% effective rate is less than half of New Jersey’s 2.23% statewide average. For a $500,000 home, you’d pay approximately $4,250 annually in Staten Island versus $10,000-$11,000 in most New Jersey counties near Staten Island.

Q: Can I deduct NJ property taxes on my federal tax return?

Yes, but with limitations. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act caps state and local tax (SALT) deductions at $10,000 per household. Since many New Jersey homeowners pay more than $10,000 in property taxes alone, they receive no additional federal tax benefit for amounts exceeding the cap. This effectively increases the after-tax cost of New Jersey homeownership.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in NJ vs NY?

New Jersey municipalities conduct full revaluations sporadically—some haven’t been revalued in 20+ years, while others revalue every few years. When revaluation occurs, significant tax shifts between properties can happen. New York City conducts annual assessment updates for all properties, with Class 1 properties (1-3 family homes) limited to 6% annual assessment increases and 20% over five years, providing more stability.

Q: What happens if I don’t pay property taxes?

Both states take unpaid property taxes seriously:

New Jersey: Interest accrues at 8% on the first $1,500 of delinquency and 18% on amounts over $1,500. After continued non-payment, the municipality can file a tax lien, leading to foreclosure proceedings. New Jersey tax liens can be sold to investors who then have the right to foreclose.

New York: Interest accrues at varying rates (typically 9-18% annually depending on property type). NYC may place a lien on the property and ultimately foreclose. The city also publishes lists of tax delinquent properties.

Q: Are NJ property taxes paid monthly or quarterly?

New Jersey property taxes are typically billed quarterly, with payments due February 1, May 1, August 1, and November 1. Most municipalities offer a 10-day grace period. Homeowners with mortgages usually have taxes escrowed and paid by their lender. New York City property taxes are also billed quarterly (July 1, October 1, January 1, April 1) with similar arrangements.

Q: Can I get a property tax break as a veteran?

New Jersey: Honorably discharged veterans receive a $250 annual deduction. Disabled veterans may qualify for full property tax exemptions depending on disability rating.

New York: Eligible veterans receive a 15% reduction in assessed value. Combat veterans and disabled veterans receive enhanced benefits, with 100% disabled veterans potentially qualifying for full exemption.

Q: Does buying a more expensive home always mean higher property taxes?

Generally yes, since property taxes are based on assessed value. However, the tax rate matters enormously. A $600,000 home in a 1.5% tax rate town ($9,000 annual taxes) costs less than a $500,000 home in a 2.5% tax rate town ($12,500 annual taxes). Always calculate the actual dollar amount based on the specific town’s rate.

Making the Smart Move: Property Tax Considerations for Staten Island Residents

Property taxes represent just one piece of the complex puzzle when deciding between Staten Island and New Jersey. The right choice depends on your unique financial situation, lifestyle priorities, and long-term goals.

When New Jersey Makes Financial Sense

Despite higher property taxes, New Jersey can be the smart choice when:

Housing Affordability: You get significantly more house for your money. A $500,000 budget on Staten Island might buy a modest 1,400 sq ft home, while the same budget in many New Jersey towns buys 2,500+ sq ft with a yard.

Property Tax Relief Qualification: If you’re 65+ and qualify for Senior Freeze, ANCHOR, and Stay NJ programs, you could receive $4,000-$8,000 annually in combined relief, substantially narrowing the tax gap with New York.

Low-Tax Municipality Selection: Some New Jersey towns near Staten Island (Kearny, Linden, certain areas of Union County) have effective rates around 1.5-1.8%, much closer to Staten Island’s 0.85% while offering larger properties.

No NYC Commute: If you work in New Jersey or remotely, you avoid NYC commuting costs and the NYC income tax (4% additional tax for NYC residents on top of NYS tax).

When Staten Island Makes Financial Sense

Staten Island typically offers superior long-term value when:

Long-Term Ownership: The property tax savings compound significantly over time. Over 30 years, a $6,000 annual property tax difference equals $180,000 in direct savings—enough to completely offset a higher purchase price.

NYC Employment: Working in Manhattan makes Staten Island far more practical. The commute from most New Jersey suburbs adds 1-2 hours daily compared to Staten Island’s 45-60 minute average commute to Manhattan.

Tax Deduction Maximization: Staying under the $10,000 SALT deduction cap preserves federal tax benefits that New Jersey homeowners lose.

Stable Tax Environment: NYC’s assessment caps (6% annually, 20% over five years) provide predictability. New Jersey towns without recent revaluations face potential tax shocks when revaluation eventually occurs.

Hidden Costs to Consider

Commuting from New Jersey:

NJ Transit monthly pass: $300-$450
Parking: $150-$250/month (if driving to station)
Additional vehicle costs: $200-$300/month
Time cost: 2-3 hours daily commuting

Annual total: $8,000-$12,000 plus 500-750 hours of time

This often exceeds property tax savings, making Staten Island the economically rational choice for Manhattan workers despite higher home prices.

Income Tax Considerations:

New Jersey has a higher top income tax rate (10.75% vs NY’s 8.82%), though NYC residents pay an additional 3.876% city income tax. The tax reciprocity agreement between NJ and NY means you pay income tax to your work state, not residence state, though NYC residents always pay the NYC income tax.

Get Expert Guidance on Your Property Tax Strategy

At Robert DeFalco Realty, we’ve spent over 30 years helping families navigate the property tax complexities of the New York and New Jersey markets. Our team understands that choosing where to live involves far more than comparing tax rates on a spreadsheet—it’s about finding a home that fits your lifestyle, budget, and long-term financial goals.

How We Help:

✓ Comparative Property Tax Analysis: We provide detailed property tax comparisons for any neighborhoods you’re considering, showing real monthly and annual costs.

✓ Total Cost of Ownership Calculations: Beyond property taxes, we factor in commuting costs, insurance differences, HOA fees, and potential appreciation to give you the complete financial picture.

✓ Access to Both Markets: With offices throughout Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and New Jersey, we show you properties on both sides of the comparison.

✓ Relief Program Guidance: We connect you with resources to maximize property tax relief programs in whichever state you choose.

✓ Long-Term Financial Planning: Our team works with you to understand how property taxes fit into your broader financial picture, including retirement planning and wealth building.

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About Robert DeFalco Realty

Since 1987, Robert DeFalco Realty has been the trusted leader in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and New Jersey real estate. With over 400 professional agents and $2.5 billion in annual sales, we’ve built our reputation on treating every client’s best interest as our foremost priority.

Our founder, Robert DeFalco, started this company with a simple philosophy: help families achieve their dream of homeownership through honest, ethical service. That philosophy remains our hallmark today. Whether you’re a first-time buyer comparing markets, a growing family seeking more space, or a retiree looking to reduce your property tax burden, our team has the local expertise and market knowledge to guide you to the right decision.

Our Full-Service Approach:

Beyond real estate brokerage, we offer comprehensive support through our in-house mortgage department, title company, and insurance services—providing one-stop shopping that simplifies your home buying or selling experience.

Learn more about our services and team at defalcorealty.com.

Additional Resources

Official Property Tax Information:

Mortgage & Affordability Calculators:

Robert DeFalco Realty Market Reports:

Final Thoughts: The Property Tax Decision

Property taxes represent one of your largest ongoing homeownership expenses, but they shouldn’t be your only consideration. The lowest property tax bill doesn’t automatically mean the best financial decision when you account for home prices, commute costs, time value, quality of life, and long-term appreciation potential.

Here’s what the data clearly shows:

For Manhattan Commuters: Staten Island typically offers superior total value despite higher home prices. The property tax savings ($4,000-$7,000 annually) combined with reduced commuting costs ($6,000-$10,000 annually) and time savings (500+ hours yearly) create compelling long-term value.

For NJ Workers or Remote Workers: New Jersey can offer excellent value, particularly if you qualify for senior relief programs or choose municipalities with rates under 2%. The additional space and lower home prices offset the higher property taxes when you eliminate the NYC commute factor.

For Retirees: New Jersey’s combination of ANCHOR, Senior Freeze, and Stay NJ programs can reduce effective property tax rates to levels competitive with Staten Island—while providing more space and potentially lower home prices. However, careful calculation of actual benefits (based on your specific income) is essential.

For First-Time Buyers: Staten Island’s predictable tax assessment system (6% annual cap) provides more budget stability than New Jersey’s sporadic revaluation system, which can create unexpected tax increases.

The smartest approach? Work with real estate professionals who thoroughly understand both markets, run comprehensive comparisons for your specific situation, and provide transparent guidance based on your unique financial picture and lifestyle priorities.

That’s exactly what we do at Robert DeFalco Realty every day. We don’t push you toward one market or the other—we provide the data, analysis, and local expertise you need to make the decision that’s right for your family.

Ready to start your property tax comparison analysis? Contact our team today or call our main office at (718) 987-7900 to speak with a market specialist.

Article Details:

Published: October 23, 2025
Author: Robert DeFalco Realty Research Team
Expertise: 30+ years serving NY & NJ real estate markets
Last Updated: October 23, 2025
Sources: NJ Division of Taxation, NYC Department of Finance, SmartAsset, Tax Foundation, Internal Property Transaction Data

Disclaimer: Property tax rates, relief program eligibility, and benefit amounts are subject to change based on state and local budgets. Information provided is accurate as of publication date but should be verified with official sources and qualified tax professionals for your specific situation. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice.

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