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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Richmond

California
161

Newark is 38% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,330/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 42%
$48,416/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 86%
$337,800 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 92%
$1,419/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 42%
307,188
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $565/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $6,780/year.

Median household income is $41,622/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Richmond — common questions

Is Newark or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Richmond?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $565/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Richmond?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $41,622/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Richmond details →

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