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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Elk Grove

California
168

Newark is 40% cheaper than Elk Grove.

$1,330/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,180/mo ↑ 64%
$48,416/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$122,229/yr ↑ 152%
$337,800 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$603,400 ↑ 79%
$1,419/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,227/mo ↑ 57%
307,188
Population
177,221

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
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Elk Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $850/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $10,200/year.

Median household income is $73,813/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $603,400 in Elk Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Elk Grove — common questions

Is Newark or Elk Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Elk Grove?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Elk Grove it's $2,180/month — a difference of $850/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Elk Grove?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $122,229 in Elk Grove. Median household income is $73,813/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,180/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Elk Grove details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Elk Grove

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem