Is Boston, MA cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Boston, MA is 11.3% cheaper than Newark, NJ. This translates to saving $848 per month.

What salary do I need in Boston, MA to live like I do in Newark, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $139,821.429 in Boston, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Newark, NJ and Boston, MA?

Housing in Boston, MA is 31.0% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,865/month in Boston, MA compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Newark, NJ to Boston, MA?

Moving from Newark, NJ to Boston, MA could save you approximately $848 per month, or $10179 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Newark, NJ vs Boston, MA: 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 Newark, NJ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $848/month moving to Boston, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.8K in Boston, MA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$848

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.2K

Per year

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

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$484K

Boston, MA

Population:685K

Cost Index:

(11% below avg)

Median Home:$961K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Boston, MA

The Bay State

685K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Continental

Notable Facts

•Major education center
•Biotech capital
•Historic American city

Major Industries

EducationHealthcareTechnologyFinance

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Newark, NJ vs Boston, MA

Category	Newark, NJ	Boston, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$5,275/mo	↓ $2,373less	31.0%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,830/mo	↑ $228more	14.2%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,825/mo	↓ $209less	10.3%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$716/mo	↑ $116more	19.3%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $85.94less	7.4%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$743/mo	↑ $55.76more	8.1%

Housing

↓ 31.0%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Boston, MA

$5,275

Difference

$2,373

less

Transportation

↑ 14.2%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Boston, MA

$1,830

Difference

$228

Other

↓ 10.3%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Boston, MA

$1,825

Difference

$209

less

All Utilities

↑ 19.3%

Newark, NJ

$600

Boston, MA

$716

Difference

$116

Groceries

↓ 7.4%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Boston, MA

$1,079

Difference

$85.94

less

Healthcare

↑ 8.1%

Newark, NJ

$688

Boston, MA

$743

Difference

$55.76

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Boston, MA 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$1,400

To$3,095

↑ $1,695

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$3,255

↑ $1,655

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$3,865

↑ $1,935

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$4,630

↑ $2,200

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/mo

Boston, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,560–$3,710/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.

$13,737

Monthly in Newark, NJ

$11,469

Monthly in Boston, MA

$2,268

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Boston

$484K

Median Value

$961K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -0.7%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +7%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$709K - $3.40M

Homes in Boston are 99% more expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark Calculate payment - Boston

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $69.50

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$5.79

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

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

Boston, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

Additional Tax Information

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Boston, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

💡 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.