Newark vs Burlington
Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Newark
Burlington
💡 The Verdict
Newark and Burlington have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
💰 Salary Equivalence
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Vermont salaries
Living in Newark vs Burlington
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Burlington sits at 139 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $380,000 in Burlington, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,800 in Burlington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Newark scores 103 while Burlington scores 108.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are lower than Burlington (116).
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $51,098 in Burlington. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
Relocating: Newark vs Burlington
If you are considering a move between Newark (index: 121) and Burlington (index: 118), the 2% cost difference has real implications for your budget. Burlington is the more affordable option, but the right choice depends on your income, career opportunities, and lifestyle priorities.
Housing budget reality: Using the 28% rule (spending no more than 28% of gross income on housing), the median household in Newark can afford $934/month, while the median household in Burlington can afford $1,192/month. With median homes at $340,000 in Newark versus $380,000 in Burlington, homeownership requires above-median income in the pricier market.
Renting vs buying: At $1,400/month in Newark and $1,800/month in Burlington, renters save significantly in Burlington. The rent-to-own ratio in each city determines whether renting or buying offers better value for your situation.
Income adjustment: A $75,000 salary goes about equally far in both cities. Before accepting a job in either city, use the salary equivalence data above to understand what you would need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
Reading These Numbers: Newark (121) vs Burlington (118)
The cost of living index uses 100 as the national average. Newark at 121 is 21% above the US average, while Burlington at 118 is 18% above average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
The overall index is a weighted average of housing (the largest component), groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Housing typically drives the biggest differences between cities. Even when two cities have similar overall indices, their category-level costs can vary significantly — one city might have expensive housing but cheap groceries, while another is the reverse. Check the category breakdown above for the full picture.
For renters: With median rents of $1,400/month in Newark and $1,800/month in Burlington, the annual rent difference is approximately $4,800. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $24,000 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $40,000 difference in median home prices between Newark and Burlington translates to roughly $2,400 per month in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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