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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Newark is 24% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,330/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 34%
$48,416/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 65%
$337,800 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 35%
$1,419/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 25%
307,188
Population
183,032

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $446/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $5,352/year.

Median household income is $31,519/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Newark or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $446/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $31,519/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
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 Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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