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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Lancaster

California
124

Newark is 19% cheaper than Lancaster.

$1,330/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,696/mo ↑ 28%
$48,416/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$76,083/yr ↑ 57%
$337,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$409,100 ↑ 21%
$1,419/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,746/mo ↑ 23%
307,188
Population
170,013

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
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Lancaster, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 124 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $27,667/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $409,100 in Lancaster.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Lancaster — common questions

Is Newark or Lancaster cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Lancaster?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Lancaster it's $1,696/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Lancaster?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $76,083 in Lancaster. Median household income is $27,667/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with rent of $1,696/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Lancaster details →

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