Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Newark is 15% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,330/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ≈ Same
$48,416/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 55%
$337,800 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 47%
$1,419/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↓ 2%
307,188
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.65%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $26,509/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

Utah has a lower income tax rate, making Salt Lake City slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Newark or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $26,509/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Utah?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Salt Lake City details →

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