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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Sacramento is 32% more expensive than Newark.

$1,694/mo ↑ 27%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 21%
$83,753/yr ↑ 73%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 42%
$484,600 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 30%
$1,752/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 19%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $364/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $4,368/year.

Median household income is $35,337/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Newark — common questions

Is Sacramento or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Newark?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $364/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Newark?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $35,337/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Newark details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Newark

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis