Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Raleigh is 10% more expensive than Newark.

$1,468/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 9%
$82,424/yr ↑ 70%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 41%
$377,800 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 11%
$1,487/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 5%
470,763
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $34,008/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Newark — common questions

Is Raleigh or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Newark?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Newark?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $34,008/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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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