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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Newark is 60% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,330/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 60%
$48,416/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 124%
$337,800 ↓ 75%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 300%
$1,419/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 65%
307,188
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $797/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $9,564/year.

Median household income is $60,142/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Newark or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Berkeley?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $797/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Berkeley?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $60,142/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Berkeley details →

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