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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Newark is 40% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,330/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 65%
$48,416/yr ↓ 53%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 111%
$337,800 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 75%
$1,419/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 57%
307,188
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $861/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $10,332/year.

Median household income is $53,905/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Newark or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Fairfield?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $861/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Fairfield?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $53,905/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Fairfield

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