Cost of Living in Newark, NJ
Newark is about 23% more expensive than the national average.
What Things Cost
Compared to the US average (100)
Census ACS 2024
Census ACS 2024
BEA RPP 2023
BEA RPP 2023
Newark at a Glance
On the median income of $58,490, state income tax is roughly $6,288/year.
Sources: Census ACS 2024, Tax Foundation.
Newark is New Jersey's largest city and an increasingly viable alternative to New York City, just 10 miles west of Manhattan with PATH train connections. The Ironbound neighborhood has one of the best Portuguese and Brazilian food scenes in America.
How People Get Around
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Who Lives Here
Source: Census ACS 2024.
Why People Move to Newark
Manhattan access at a fraction of Manhattan prices. PATH train reaches World Trade Center in 25 minutes. The Ironbound's restaurants are a culinary destination. Branch Brook Park has more cherry blossoms than Washington DC.
Neighborhoods
The Ironbound (East Ward) is the food and cultural hub, the safest residential neighborhood. Downtown near the Prudential Center is revitalizing. Forest Hill has character homes.
Things to Consider
Newark has struggled with crime and poverty for decades. New Jersey's income tax reaches 10.75% and property taxes are heavy. Neighborhood variation is extreme: the Ironbound is vibrant; other areas face severe challenges.
Compare Newark To...
Frequently Asked Questions About Newark
Depends on neighborhood. The Ironbound is vibrant and safe. Downtown is improving. Other neighborhoods have higher crime. The Ironbound specifically is one of the safest urban neighborhoods in the NY metro area.
PATH train from Newark Penn Station to World Trade Center takes about 25 minutes. NJ Transit to Penn Station Manhattan takes about 20 minutes. Faster than many Brooklyn commutes.
Newark's gem: a dense, walkable neighborhood with Portuguese, Brazilian, Spanish, and Ecuadorian restaurants and bakeries along Ferry Street. The food quality is outstanding at prices well below Manhattan.