Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Newark, NJ (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Newark

New Jersey
100

Washington is 71% more expensive than Newark.

$1,900/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,330/mo ↓ 30%
$106,287/yr ↑ 120%
Median Income
$48,416/yr ↓ 54%
$724,600 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$337,800 ↓ 53%
$2,103/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,419/mo ↓ 33%
672,079
Population
307,188

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.56%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
33.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Newark, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $570/month cheaper in Newark, saving renters about $6,840/year.

Median household income is $57,871/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $337,800 in Newark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Newark — common questions

Is Washington or Newark cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Newark is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Newark?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Newark it's $1,330/month — a difference of $570/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Newark?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $48,416 in Newark. Median household income is $57,871/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and New Jersey?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Newark?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Newark details →

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