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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Newark is 67% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,330/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 124%
$48,416/yr ↓ 72%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 259%
$337,800 ↓ 78%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 352%
$1,419/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 115%
307,188
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,655/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $19,860/year.

Median household income is $125,254/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Newark or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,655/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $125,254/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Santa Clara

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville