Skyline of Newark
Cost of Living: 118.5 311,549

Newark, NJ, US

Gateway to NYC with improving downtown, port industry, and more affordable than Manhattan.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 118.5

Above Average vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 128.4

Above Average

Median Income $37,000

Household income

Unemployment 5.5%

Job market health

Newark vs US Average

Cost of Living
Newark: 118.5
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Newark: 128.4
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Newark: 8.97%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 9.0%
  • Sales Tax: 6.6%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $37,000
  • Unemployment: 5.5%
  • Population: 311,549

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 205/year
  • Summer High: 86°F
  • Winter Low: 25°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $320,000
  • 1BR Rent: $1500/mo

Cost of Living

Newark's cost of living index is 118.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryNewarkNational AverageDifference
Overall118.5100+18.5%
Housing128.4100+28.4%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$320,000
Median Rent (1BR)$1500/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$1,875/mo
Price per Sq Ft$213

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Newark:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$150Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$354Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$85Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / TrashIncluded in taxesMunicipal service (covered by property taxes)
Total Utilities$649Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Newark

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,800/mo.

Newark Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,650/mo.

East Newark

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,350/mo.

West Newark

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,425/mo.

Remote Work Score

Newark scores 110/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Good
  • Climate: 205 year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: Good

Climate

Newark has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January45°F25°F2.5"
April71°F40°F2.8"
July86°F61°F1.5"
October66°F43°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 8.97%
  • Sales Tax: 6.625%
  • Property Tax: ~2.49% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 5.5%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Newark, NJ, US?

The cost of living index in Newark is 118.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Newark?

The median home price in Newark is $320,000. The housing index is 128.4.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Newark is approximately $1500/mo.

Does Newark, NJ have income tax?

Newark is in NJ, which has an income tax rate of 8.97%.

What is the climate like in Newark?

Newark enjoys approximately 205 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,86°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.25°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.