Is Newark, NJ cheaper than Buffalo, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Newark, NJ is 78.3% more expensive than Buffalo, NY. This translates to spending an extra $5871 per month.

What salary do I need in Newark, NJ to live like I do in Buffalo, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in Buffalo, NY, you'd need approximately $220,452.366 in Newark, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Buffalo, NY and Newark, NJ?

Housing in Newark, NJ is 300.1% more expensive than in Buffalo, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,930/month in Newark, NJ compared to $1,477/month in Buffalo, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Buffalo, NY to Newark, NJ?

Living in Newark, NJ costs approximately $5871 more per month than Buffalo, NY, or $70452 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Buffalo, NY 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 Buffalo, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $5.9K/month more in Newark, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $220.5K in Newark, NJ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY area

Overall Cost

↑ 78.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$5,871

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$70.5K

Per year

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

Buffalo, NY

Population:275K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$188K

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:

178

(78% above avg)

Median Home:$484K

Buffalo, NY

The Empire State

275K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 275K 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: Buffalo, NY vs Newark, NJ

Category	Buffalo, NY	Newark, NJ	Difference	Change
Housing	$1,911/mo	$7,648/mo	↑ $5,737more	300.1%
Other	$1,789/mo	$2,034/mo	↑ $245more	13.7%
Groceries	$1,039/mo	$1,165/mo	↑ $126more	12.1%
Healthcare	$565/mo	$688/mo	↑ $123more	21.8%
All Utilities	$498/mo	$600/mo	↑ $102more	20.5%
Transportation	$1,570/mo	$1,602/mo	↑ $32.52more	2.1%

Housing

↑ 300.1%

Buffalo, NY

$1,911

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Difference

$5,737

Other

↑ 13.7%

Buffalo, NY

$1,789

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Difference

$245

Groceries

↑ 12.1%

Buffalo, NY

$1,039

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Difference

$126

Healthcare

↑ 21.8%

Buffalo, NY

$565

Newark, NJ

$688

Difference

$123

All Utilities

↑ 20.5%

Buffalo, NY

$498

Newark, NJ

$600

Difference

$102

Transportation

↑ 2.1%

Buffalo, NY

$1,570

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Difference

$32.52

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Buffalo, NY has no local income tax.

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,212

To$1,400

↑ $188

1 Bed

From$1,253

To$1,600

↑ $347

2 Bed

From$1,477

To$1,930

↑ $453

3 Bed

From$1,804

To$2,430

↑ $626

Buffalo, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $970–$1,620/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.

$7,372

Monthly in Buffalo, NY

$13,737

Monthly in Newark, NJ

$6,365

Difference

Home Values

Buffalo

Newark

$188K

Median Value

$484K

↑ +2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +37.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.9%

$108K - $558K

Price Range

$395K - $565K

Homes in Newark are 157% more expensive than Buffalo

Calculate payment - Buffalo Calculate payment - Newark

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$176

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.4%

Rate difference

Buffalo, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

Buffalo, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.