Cost of Living: Santa Ana, CA vs Newark, NJ 2026

$1,975/mo ↑ 48%

Median Rent

$1,330/mo ↓ 33%

$88,354/yr ↑ 82%

Median Income

$48,416/yr ↓ 45%

$657,800 ↑ 95%

Home Value

$337,800 ↓ 49%

$1,965/mo ↑ 38%

Owner Costs

$1,419/mo ↓ 28%

311,639

Population

307,188

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $645/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $7,740/year.

Median household income is $39,938/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Newark — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Newark cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 163 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Newark?

Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $645/month.

Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Newark?

Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $39,938/year higher in Santa Ana.

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 Santa Ana or Newark?

It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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.

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

Santa Ana

Newark

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions