Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
23% cheaper
Tucson is 23% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $57,645 in Tucson.
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 Tucson sits at 83 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $265,000 in Tucson, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,100 in Tucson.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Newark scores 103 while Tucson scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Tucson (93). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $43,425 in Tucson. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
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