Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Atlanta is 22% more expensive than Newark.

$1,617/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 18%
$81,938/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 41%
$420,600 ↑ 25%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 20%
$1,695/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 16%
499,287
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $287/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $3,444/year.

Median household income is $33,522/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Newark — common questions

Is Atlanta or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Newark?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $287/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Newark?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $33,522/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and New Jersey?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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