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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Orange

California
206

Newark is 51% cheaper than Orange.

$1,330/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 69%
$48,416/yr ↓ 59%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 142%
$337,800 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 167%
$1,419/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 69%
307,188
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $922/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $11,064/year.

Median household income is $68,529/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Orange — common questions

Is Newark or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Orange?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $922/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Orange?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $68,529/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Orange details →

More Comparisons

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