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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Newark is 21% cheaper than Surprise.

$1,330/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 44%
$48,416/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↑ 93%
$337,800 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$396,000 ↑ 17%
$1,419/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↑ 12%
307,188
Population
149,519

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $587/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $7,044/year.

Median household income is $44,955/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Surprise — common questions

Is Newark or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Surprise?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $587/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Surprise?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $44,955/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Surprise

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite