Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Tacoma, WA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Newark is 21% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,330/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 20%
$48,416/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 73%
$337,800 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 35%
$1,419/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 23%
307,188
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $267/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $3,204/year.

Median household income is $35,441/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Newark or Tacoma 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 Tacoma?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $267/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Tacoma?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $35,441/year higher in Tacoma.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Washington?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Tacoma details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Tacoma

Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis Tacoma vs. San Bernardino Tacoma vs. Port St. Lucie Tacoma vs. Hialeah Tacoma vs. Spring Valley Tacoma vs. Baton Rouge Tacoma vs. Huntsville