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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

San Bernardino

California
109

Newark is 8% cheaper than San Bernardino.

$1,330/mo ↓ 7%
Median Rent
$1,433/mo ↑ 8%
$48,416/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$63,988/yr ↑ 32%
$337,800 ↓ 12%
Home Value
$384,900 ↑ 14%
$1,419/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,478/mo ↑ 4%
307,188
Population
221,774

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
26.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and San Bernardino, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $103/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $1,236/year.

Median household income is $15,572/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $384,900 in San Bernardino.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs San Bernardino — common questions

Is Newark or San Bernardino cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and San Bernardino?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in San Bernardino it's $1,433/month — a difference of $103/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or San Bernardino?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $63,988 in San Bernardino. Median household income is $15,572/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,433/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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