Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Newark is 39% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,330/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 44%
$48,416/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 122%
$337,800 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 110%
$1,419/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 29%
307,188
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
2.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $580/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $6,960/year.

Median household income is $58,956/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Newark or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $580/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $58,956/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Arizona?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Scottsdale details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Scottsdale

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk