Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Kansas City, KS (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Kansas City

Kansas City
65

Newark is 54% more expensive than Kansas City.

$1,330/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,073/mo ↓ 19%
$48,416/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$59,183/yr ↑ 22%
$337,800 ↑ 130%
Home Value
$147,100 ↓ 56%
$1,419/mo ↑ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,054/mo ↓ 26%
307,188
Population
154,776

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.7%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.41%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Kansas City, KS, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 65 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $257/month cheaper in Kansas City, saving renters about $3,084/year.

Median household income is $10,767/year higher in Kansas City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $147,100 in Kansas City.

Kansas City has a lower income tax rate, making Kansas City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Kansas City — common questions

Is Newark or Kansas City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Kansas City is cheaper to live in with an index of 65 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Kansas City?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Kansas City it's $1,073/month — a difference of $257/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Kansas City?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $59,183 in Kansas City. Median household income is $10,767/year higher in Kansas City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Kansas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Kansas City?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Kansas City has a cost index of 65 with rent of $1,073/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Kansas City details →

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