Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Columbia, MO (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Columbia

Missouri
80

Newark is 25% more expensive than Columbia.

$1,330/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,067/mo ↓ 20%
$48,416/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$64,488/yr ↑ 33%
$337,800 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$268,300 ↓ 21%
$1,419/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,114/mo ↓ 21%
307,188
Population
127,200

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Columbia, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 80 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $263/month cheaper in Columbia, saving renters about $3,156/year.

Median household income is $16,072/year higher in Columbia. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $268,300 in Columbia.

Missouri has a lower income tax rate, making Columbia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Columbia — common questions

Is Newark or Columbia cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Columbia is cheaper to live in with an index of 80 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Columbia?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Columbia it's $1,067/month — a difference of $263/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Columbia?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $64,488 in Columbia. Median household income is $16,072/year higher in Columbia.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Missouri?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Columbia?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Columbia has a cost index of 80 with rent of $1,067/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Columbia details →

More Comparisons

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