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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Newark is 56% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,330/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 80%
$48,416/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 127%
$337,800 ↓ 68%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 212%
$1,419/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 74%
307,188
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,065/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $12,780/year.

Median household income is $61,657/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Newark or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,065/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $61,657/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Costa Mesa

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria