Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Seattle is 96% more expensive than Newark.

$1,998/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 33%
$121,984/yr ↑ 152%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 60%
$912,100 ↑ 170%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 63%
$2,220/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 36%
741,440
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $668/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $8,016/year.

Median household income is $73,568/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Seattle residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Newark — common questions

Is Seattle or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Newark?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $668/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Newark?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $73,568/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New Jersey?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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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