Cost of Living: Fresno, CA vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Fresno

California
101
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Fresno and Newark have a similar cost of living.

$1,324/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ≈ Same
$66,804/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 28%
$348,500 ↑ 3%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 3%
$1,391/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 2%
543,615
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,388/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Newark slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Newark — common questions

Is Fresno or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Newark?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $6/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Newark?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $18,388/year higher in Fresno.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Fresno or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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.
View Fresno details → View Newark details →

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