Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Newark is 58% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,330/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 106%
$48,416/yr ↓ 62%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 161%
$337,800 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 208%
$1,419/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 86%
307,188
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,412/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $16,944/year.

Median household income is $78,053/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Newark or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Cambridge?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,412/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Cambridge?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $78,053/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Cambridge details →

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