Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
Phoenix is 17% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $61,983 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Phoenix sits at 102 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $350,000 in Phoenix, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,400 in Phoenix.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Phoenix scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Phoenix (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $57,459 in Phoenix. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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