Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Athens, GA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Newark is 20% more expensive than Athens.

$1,330/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 13%
$48,416/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↑ 7%
$337,800 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 20%
$1,419/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 18%
307,188
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $3,239/year higher in Athens. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Athens — common questions

Is Newark or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Athens?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Athens?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $3,239/year higher in Athens.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Georgia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

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