Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs St. Petersburg, FL (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

St. Petersburg

Florida
106

Newark is 6% cheaper than St. Petersburg.

$1,330/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,542/mo ↑ 16%
$48,416/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$73,118/yr ↑ 51%
$337,800 ↑ 2%
Home Value
$331,500 ↓ 2%
$1,419/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,435/mo ↑ 1%
307,188
Population
260,646

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and St. Petersburg, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 106 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $24,702/year higher in St. Petersburg. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $331,500 in St. Petersburg.

Florida has no state income tax, giving St. Petersburg residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs St. Petersburg — common questions

Is Newark or St. Petersburg cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 106 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and St. Petersburg?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in St. Petersburg it's $1,542/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or St. Petersburg?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $73,118 in St. Petersburg. Median household income is $24,702/year higher in St. Petersburg.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or St. Petersburg?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while St. Petersburg has a cost index of 106 with rent of $1,542/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View St. Petersburg details →

More Comparisons

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