Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Mesa is 7% more expensive than Newark.

$1,478/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 10%
$78,779/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 39%
$364,300 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 7%
$1,404/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 1%
507,478
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $148/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $1,776/year.

Median household income is $30,363/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Newark — common questions

Is Mesa or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Newark?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $148/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Newark?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $30,363/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Jersey?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Newark details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Mesa and Newark

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