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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Newark is 60% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,330/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 101%
$48,416/yr ↓ 65%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 188%
$337,800 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 242%
$1,419/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 97%
307,188
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,348/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $16,176/year.

Median household income is $90,910/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Newark or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,348/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $90,910/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

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