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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Newark is 71% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,330/mo ↓ 57%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 130%
$48,416/yr ↓ 73%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 276%
$337,800 ↓ 81%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 438%
$1,419/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 113%
307,188
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,735/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $20,820/year.

Median household income is $133,446/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Newark or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,735/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $133,446/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Sunnyvale details →

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