Median rent is 21% lower in Newark ($1,392/mo vs $1,758/mo). Buying is cheaper in Newark, where the median home runs $373,700 versus $518,100. Households earn more in Miami ($62,462 vs $52,060 a year). Taken together, Miami is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 112.1 against 112.6 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Miami, FL.
City A
Miami, FL
City B
Newark, NJ
How much would you need to earn in Newark, NJ to maintain your standard of living from Miami, FL?
Equivalent salary in Newark, NJ
$75,373
You'd need $373 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Miami
Florida
Newark
New Jersey
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Newark — median rent of $1,392/mo versus $1,758/mo in Miami, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Miami: the median home is $518,100 versus $373,700 in Newark — 28% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Miami
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Newark
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Miami has cleaner air on average: 37.0 AQI (Good) compared to 46.0 AQI (Good) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Miami if you prioritize higher median household income ($62,462/yr).
Pick Newark if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,392/mo median).
Pick Miami if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 37.0).
Is Miami cheaper than Newark?
Miami is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 112.1 versus 112.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Miami.
How much is rent in Miami vs Newark?
Median rent is $1,758/mo in Miami, FL and $1,392/mo in Newark, NJ. Newark, NJ has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Miami or Newark?
Median household income is $62,462 in Miami, FL and $52,060 in Newark, NJ. Miami, FL has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Miami, FL has better air quality on average: 37.0 AQI versus 46.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Miami or Newark?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Newark to match my Miami income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Miami, FL is equivalent to roughly $100,497 in Newark, NJ (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
