Median rent is 44% lower in Newark ($1,392/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Newark, where the median home runs $373,700 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($140,970 vs $52,060 a year). Taken together, Newark is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 112.6 against 117.6 — about 4% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Newark is 4% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 112.6 in Newark vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
Newark, NJ
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Newark, NJ?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$78,266
You'd need $3,266 more (4% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Newark
New Jersey
San Francisco
California
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: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Newark — median rent of $1,392/mo versus $2,476/mo in San Francisco, a 44% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $373,700 in Newark — 73% 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.
Newark
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Francisco
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Newark (avg AQI 46.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick Newark if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 112.6 vs 117.6).
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,970/yr).
Pick Newark if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,392/mo median).
Is Newark cheaper than San Francisco?
Newark is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 112.6 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 4% lower in Newark.
How much is rent in Newark vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,392/mo in Newark, NJ and $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA. Newark, NJ has the lower rent by about 44%.
Which has higher salaries — Newark or San Francisco?
Median household income is $52,060 in Newark, NJ and $140,970 in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco, CA 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Newark or San Francisco?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Newark income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Newark, NJ is equivalent to roughly $104,355 in San Francisco, CA (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
