Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Newark is 51% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,330/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 71%
$48,416/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 189%
$337,800 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 156%
$1,419/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 70%
307,188
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $945/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $11,340/year.

Median household income is $91,744/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Arlington — common questions

Is Newark or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Arlington?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $945/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Arlington?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $91,744/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Virginia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Arlington details →

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