Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Tempe is 12% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $65,702 in Tempe.
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 Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tempe.
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