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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

San Jose is 154% more expensive than Newark.

$2,617/mo ↑ 97%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 49%
$141,565/yr ↑ 192%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 66%
$1,187,800 ↑ 252%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 72%
$2,775/mo ↑ 96%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 49%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,287/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $15,444/year.

Median household income is $93,149/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Newark — common questions

Is San Jose or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Newark?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $1,287/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Newark?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $93,149/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 San Jose details → View Newark details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for San Jose and Newark

San Jose vs. Dallas San Jose vs. Austin San Jose vs. San Diego San Jose vs. Jacksonville San Jose vs. San Antonio San Jose vs. Fort Worth Newark vs. St. Paul Newark vs. Pittsburgh Newark vs. Irvine Newark vs. Greensboro Newark vs. Cincinnati Newark vs. St. Louis