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

Riverside

California
144
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Riverside is 44% more expensive than Newark.

$1,812/mo ↑ 36%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 27%
$88,575/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 45%
$542,100 ↑ 60%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 38%
$1,880/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 25%
316,241
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $482/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $5,784/year.

Median household income is $40,159/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Newark — common questions

Is Riverside or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Newark?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $482/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Newark?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $40,159/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/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 Riverside details → View Newark details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Newark

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