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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Chula Vista

California
178

Newark is 44% cheaper than Chula Vista.

$1,330/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,122/mo ↑ 60%
$48,416/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$105,173/yr ↑ 117%
$337,800 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$697,400 ↑ 106%
$1,419/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$2,342/mo ↑ 65%
307,188
Population
275,030

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
24.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Chula Vista, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 178 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $792/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $9,504/year.

Median household income is $56,757/year higher in Chula Vista. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $697,400 in Chula Vista.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Chula Vista — common questions

Is Newark or Chula Vista cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 178 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Chula Vista?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Chula Vista it's $2,122/month — a difference of $792/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Chula Vista?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $105,173 in Chula Vista. Median household income is $56,757/year higher in Chula Vista.
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 Chula Vista?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Chula Vista has a cost index of 178 with rent of $2,122/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Chula Vista details →

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