Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Boston is 76% more expensive than Newark.

$2,093/mo ↑ 57%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 36%
$94,755/yr ↑ 96%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 49%
$710,400 ↑ 110%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 52%
$2,176/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 35%
663,972
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $763/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $9,156/year.

Median household income is $46,339/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Newark — common questions

Is Boston or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Newark?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $763/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Newark?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $46,339/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Jersey?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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