Cost of Living: Tucson, AZ vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Tucson

Arizona
76
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Tucson is 24% cheaper than Newark.

$1,079/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↑ 23%
$54,546/yr ↑ 13%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 11%
$242,200 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$337,800 ↑ 39%
$1,076/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↑ 32%
543,348
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tucson, AZ and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $251/month cheaper in Tucson, saving renters about $3,012/year.

Median household income is $6,130/year higher in Tucson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tucson is $242,200 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tucson slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tucson vs Newark — common questions

Is Tucson or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tucson is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tucson and Newark?
Median rent in Tucson is $1,079/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $251/month.
Which city has higher income, Tucson or Newark?
Median household income is $54,546 in Tucson and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $6,130/year higher in Tucson.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Jersey?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Tucson or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Tucson has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,079/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 Tucson details → View Newark details →

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