Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Worcester, MA (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Worcester

Massachusetts
104

Newark is 4% cheaper than Worcester.

$1,330/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,415/mo ↑ 6%
$48,416/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$67,544/yr ↑ 40%
$337,800 ≈ Same
Home Value
$339,500 ≈ Same
$1,419/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,521/mo ↑ 7%
307,188
Population
205,501

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Newark, NJ and Worcester, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 104 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $85/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $1,020/year.

Median household income is $19,128/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $339,500 in Worcester.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Worcester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Worcester — common questions

Is Newark or Worcester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Worcester?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Worcester it's $1,415/month — a difference of $85/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Worcester?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $67,544 in Worcester. Median household income is $19,128/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Worcester?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/mo, while Worcester has a cost index of 104 with rent of $1,415/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Newark details → View Worcester details →

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