Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Phoenix is 9% more expensive than Newark.

$1,458/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 9%
$77,041/yr ↑ 59%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 37%
$381,900 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 12%
$1,430/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ≈ Same
1,624,832
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $128/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $1,536/year.

Median household income is $28,625/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Newark — common questions

Is Phoenix or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Newark?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $128/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Newark?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $28,625/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Jersey?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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.
View Phoenix details → View Newark details →

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