Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Newark is 16% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,330/mo ↓ 22%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 28%
$48,416/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 43%
$337,800 ↓ 9%
Home Value
$369,800 ↑ 9%
$1,419/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 17%
307,188
Population
119,508

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
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $20,845/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Newark or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $20,845/year higher in West Palm Beach.
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 West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

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