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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Los Angeles is 87% more expensive than Newark.

$1,879/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 29%
$80,366/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 40%
$879,500 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 62%
$2,055/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 31%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $549/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $6,588/year.

Median household income is $31,950/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Newark — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Newark?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $549/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Newark?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $31,950/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Newark details →

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