Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
7% cheaper
Sarasota is 7% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $69,421 in Sarasota.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Florida salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Sarasota sits at 132 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $380,000 in Sarasota, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,800 in Sarasota.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Sarasota scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Sarasota (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $52,147 in Sarasota. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Sarasota.
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