Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Newark is 6% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,330/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↑ 6%
$48,416/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↑ 17%
$337,800 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 25%
$1,419/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↑ 4%
307,188
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $75/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $900/year.

Median household income is $8,168/year higher in Bridgeport. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Bridgeport slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Newark or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $75/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $8,168/year higher in Bridgeport.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Connecticut?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

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