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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Newark is 43% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,330/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 75%
$48,416/yr ↓ 56%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 127%
$337,800 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 80%
$1,419/mo ↓ 40%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 68%
307,188
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,000/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $12,000/year.

Median household income is $61,364/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Newark or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Murrieta?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,000/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Murrieta?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $61,364/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

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