Is Newark, NJ cheaper than Baltimore, MD?

Based on cost of living data, Newark, NJ is 58.5% more expensive than Baltimore, MD. This translates to spending an extra $4387 per month.

What salary do I need in Newark, NJ to live like I do in Baltimore, MD?

If you earn $150,000 in Baltimore, MD, you'd need approximately $202,641.509 in Newark, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Baltimore, MD and Newark, NJ?

Housing in Newark, NJ is 145.3% more expensive than in Baltimore, MD. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,930/month in Newark, NJ compared to $1,770/month in Baltimore, MD.

How much can I save per month by moving from Baltimore, MD to Newark, NJ?

Living in Newark, NJ costs approximately $4387 more per month than Baltimore, MD, or $52642 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Baltimore, MD vs Newark, NJ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Baltimore, MD

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $4.4K/month more in Newark, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $202.6K in Newark, NJ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD area

Overall Cost

↑ 58.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,387

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$52.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Baltimore, MD

Population:586K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$218K

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:

158

(58% above avg)

Median Home:$484K

Baltimore, MD

The Old Line State

586K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Maryland, this city has a population of 586K residents.

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New Jersey, this city has a population of 312K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Baltimore, MD vs Newark, NJ

Category	Baltimore, MD	Newark, NJ	Difference	Change
Housing	$3,118/mo	$7,648/mo	↑ $4,530more	145.3%
Other	$1,707/mo	$2,034/mo	↑ $326more	19.1%
Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,602/mo	↑ $223more	16.1%
Healthcare	$589/mo	$688/mo	↑ $99.13more	16.8%
Groceries	$1,089/mo	$1,165/mo	↑ $75.94more	7.0%
All Utilities	$607/mo	$600/mo	↓ $6.56less	1.1%

Housing

↑ 145.3%

Baltimore, MD

$3,118

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Difference

$4,530

Other

↑ 19.1%

Baltimore, MD

$1,707

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Difference

$326

Transportation

↑ 16.1%

Baltimore, MD

$1,380

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Difference

$223

Healthcare

↑ 16.8%

Baltimore, MD

$589

Newark, NJ

$688

Difference

$99.13

Groceries

↑ 7.0%

Baltimore, MD

$1,089

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Difference

$75.94

All Utilities

↓ 1.1%

Baltimore, MD

$607

Newark, NJ

$600

Difference

$6.56

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Baltimore, MD: Baltimore City Income Tax$4,800/yr (3.2%)

Newark, NJ: Newark Payroll Tax$1,500/yr (1.0%)

Net difference-$3,300/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,270

To$1,400

↑ $130

1 Bed

From$1,450

To$1,600

↑ $150

2 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,930

↑ $160

3 Bed

From$2,280

To$2,430

↑ $150

Baltimore, MDZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,450–$1,790/mo

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,490

Monthly in Baltimore, MD

$13,737

Monthly in Newark, NJ

$5,247

Difference

Home Values

Baltimore

Newark

$218K

Median Value

$484K

↓ -0.6%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +20%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.9%

$72K - $469K

Price Range

$395K - $565K

Homes in Newark are 122% more expensive than Baltimore

Calculate payment - Baltimore Calculate payment - Newark

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $171

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$14.21

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.1%

Rate difference

Baltimore, MD

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Maryland State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.3K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.5%

$44.3K

Take-Home Pay

$8,811/month

$105.7K

Newark, NJ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New Jersey State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,796/month

$105.6K

Additional Tax Information

Baltimore, MD Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.