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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Oakland is 95% more expensive than Newark.

$1,917/mo ↑ 44%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 31%
$97,369/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 50%
$924,700 ↑ 174%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 63%
$2,164/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 34%
438,072
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $587/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $7,044/year.

Median household income is $48,953/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Newark — common questions

Is Oakland or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Newark?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $587/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Newark?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $48,953/year higher in Oakland.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Oakland or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/mo, while Newark has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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