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

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Torrance

California
218

Newark is 54% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,330/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 66%
$48,416/yr ↓ 57%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 134%
$337,800 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 207%
$1,419/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 62%
307,188
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $884/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $10,608/year.

Median household income is $64,689/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Torrance — common questions

Is Newark or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Torrance?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $884/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Torrance?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $64,689/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Torrance details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Newark and Torrance

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