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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Irvine is 156% more expensive than Newark.

$2,893/mo ↑ 118%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 54%
$129,647/yr ↑ 168%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 63%
$1,115,400 ↑ 230%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 70%
$2,904/mo ↑ 105%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 51%
308,160
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,563/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $18,756/year.

Median household income is $81,231/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Newark — common questions

Is Irvine or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Newark?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $1,563/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Newark?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $81,231/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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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