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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Modesto

California
120

Newark is 17% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,330/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 21%
$48,416/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 61%
$337,800 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 23%
$1,419/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 14%
307,188
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $29,483/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Modesto — common questions

Is Newark or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Modesto?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Modesto?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $29,483/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

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