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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Newark is 49% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,330/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 87%
$48,416/yr ↓ 60%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 148%
$337,800 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$721,000 ↑ 113%
$1,419/mo ↓ 46%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 87%
307,188
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,156/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $13,872/year.

Median household income is $71,510/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Newark or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $1,156/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $71,510/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Santa Clarita details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Santa Clarita

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Santa Clarita vs. Spokane Santa Clarita vs. Fremont Santa Clarita vs. Enterprise Santa Clarita vs. Richmond Santa Clarita vs. Norfolk Santa Clarita vs. Baton Rouge