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

San Francisco

California
267
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

San Francisco is 167% more expensive than Newark.

$2,419/mo ↑ 82%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 45%
$141,446/yr ↑ 192%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 66%
$1,380,500 ↑ 309%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 76%
$2,620/mo ↑ 85%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 46%
836,321
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

20.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,089/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $13,068/year.

Median household income is $93,030/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Newark — common questions

Is San Francisco or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 267 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Newark?
Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $1,089/month.
Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Newark?
Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $93,030/year higher in San Francisco.
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 San Francisco or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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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