Is Los Angeles, CA cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Los Angeles, CA is 3.2% more expensive than Newark, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $237 per month.

What salary do I need in Los Angeles, CA to live like I do in Newark, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $152,839.286 in Los Angeles, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Newark, NJ and Los Angeles, CA?

Housing in Los Angeles, CA is 1.3% more expensive than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,660/month in Los Angeles, CA compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Newark, NJ to Los Angeles, CA?

Living in Los Angeles, CA costs approximately $237 more per month than Newark, NJ, or $2839 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Newark, NJ vs Los Angeles, CA: 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 spend $237/month more in Los Angeles, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.8K in Los Angeles, CA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 3.2%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$237

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.8K

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

Los Angeles, CA

Population:3899K

Cost Index:

103

(3% above avg)

Median Home:$885K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Los Angeles, CA

The Golden State

3.9M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Entertainment capital of the world
•Major Pacific Rim trade center
•Diverse metropolitan area

Major Industries

EntertainmentTechnologyInternational TradeTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Newark, NJ vs Los Angeles, CA

Category	Newark, NJ	Los Angeles, CA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $556more	34.7%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,731/mo	↓ $303less	14.9%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$554/mo	↓ $134less	19.5%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,040/mo	↓ $125less	10.7%
Housing	$7,648/mo	$7,749/mo	↑ $101more	1.3%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$557/mo	↓ $42.62less	7.1%

Transportation

↑ 34.7%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Los Angeles, CA

$2,158

Difference

$556

Other

↓ 14.9%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Los Angeles, CA

$1,731

Difference

$303

less

Healthcare

↓ 19.5%

Newark, NJ

$688

Los Angeles, CA

$554

Difference

$134

less

Groceries

↓ 10.7%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Los Angeles, CA

$1,040

Difference

$125

less

Housing

↑ 1.3%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Los Angeles, CA

$7,749

Difference

$101

All Utilities

↓ 7.1%

Newark, NJ

$600

Los Angeles, CA

$557

Difference

$42.62

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Los Angeles, CA 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$1,910

↑ $510

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$2,135

↑ $535

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$2,660

↑ $730

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$3,370

↑ $940

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/mo

Los Angeles, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,630–$3,130/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

$13,790

Monthly in Los Angeles, CA

$52.96

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Los Angeles

$484K

Median Value

$885K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3.4%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +13.1%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$531K - $3.01M

Homes in Los Angeles are 83% more expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark Calculate payment - Los Angeles

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $3.2K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$266

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.1%

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

Los Angeles, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Los Angeles, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.