Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Newark is 5% cheaper than Clearwater.

$1,330/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↑ 16%
$48,416/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↑ 33%
$337,800 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 3%
$1,419/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ≈ Same
307,188
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $16,024/year higher in Clearwater. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Newark or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Clearwater?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Clearwater?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $16,024/year higher in Clearwater.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Clearwater

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