Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Tampa is 16% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $63,223 in Tampa.
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 Tampa sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $340,000 in Tampa, a difference of $0. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,700 in Tampa.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Tampa scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Tampa (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $52,594 in Tampa. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tampa.
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