Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Newark is 22% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,330/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 37%
$48,416/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 99%
$337,800 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 20%
$1,419/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 27%
307,188
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $495/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $5,940/year.

Median household income is $47,841/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Richardson residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Richardson — common questions

Is Newark or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Richardson?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $495/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Richardson?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $47,841/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Richardson

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater