Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
Newark and Scottsdale have very similar costs of living, with less than a 3% difference overall.
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 Scottsdale sits at 162 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $580,000 in Scottsdale, a difference of $240,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $2,000 in Scottsdale.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Scottsdale scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Scottsdale (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $92,298 in Scottsdale. When adjusted for cost of living, purchasing power is similar in both cities.
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