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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Newark is 23% cheaper than Palmdale.

$1,330/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↑ 31%
$48,416/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↑ 68%
$337,800 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$435,300 ↑ 29%
$1,419/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↑ 29%
307,188
Population
165,487

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $406/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $4,872/year.

Median household income is $32,735/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Newark or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Palmdale?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $406/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Palmdale?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $32,735/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Palmdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Palmdale

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona