Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Lakewood, CO (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Newark is 29% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,330/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 31%
$48,416/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 77%
$337,800 ↓ 38%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 62%
$1,419/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 22%
307,188
Population
156,309

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.4%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $416/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $4,992/year.

Median household income is $37,373/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Lakewood slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Newark or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Lakewood?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $416/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Lakewood?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $37,373/year higher in Lakewood.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Colorado?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Lakewood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Lakewood

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Lakewood vs. Macon Lakewood vs. Killeen Lakewood vs. Alexandria Lakewood vs. Kansas City Lakewood vs. Murfreesboro Lakewood vs. Springfield