Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Newark is 24% more expensive than Pittsburgh.

$1,330/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 8%
$48,416/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↑ 32%
$337,800 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 43%
$1,419/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↓ 20%
307,188
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
3.07%
6.625%
Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Pittsburgh, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $15,721/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Pittsburgh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Newark or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pittsburgh is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $15,721/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Pennsylvania?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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