Is San Diego, CA cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, San Diego, CA is 14.3% cheaper than Newark, NJ. This translates to saving $1071 per month.

What salary do I need in San Diego, CA to live like I do in Newark, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $137,142.857 in San Diego, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Newark, NJ and San Diego, CA?

Housing in San Diego, CA is 31.7% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,360/month in San Diego, CA compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

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

Moving from Newark, NJ to San Diego, CA could save you approximately $1071 per month, or $12857 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Newark, NJ vs San Diego, 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 save $1.1K/month moving to San Diego, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $137.1K in San Diego, CA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 14.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,071

Savings

Annual Impact

$12.9K

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

(14% below avg)

Median Home:$980K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Newark, NJ vs San Diego, CA

Category	Newark, NJ	San Diego, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$5,223/mo	↓ $2,425less	31.7%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,892/mo	↓ $142less	7.0%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $85.94less	7.4%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$638/mo	↓ $49.57less	7.2%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$634/mo	↑ $33.88more	5.6%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,571/mo	↓ $31.42less	2.0%

Housing

↓ 31.7%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Difference

$2,425

less

Other

↓ 7.0%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Difference

$142

less

Groceries

↓ 7.4%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Difference

$85.94

less

Healthcare

↓ 7.2%

Newark, NJ

$688

San Diego, CA

$638

Difference

$49.57

less

All Utilities

↑ 5.6%

Newark, NJ

$600

San Diego, CA

$634

Difference

$33.88

Transportation

↓ 2.0%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Difference

$31.42

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Diego, 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$2,565

↑ $1,165

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$2,755

↑ $1,155

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$3,360

↑ $1,430

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$4,475

↑ $2,045

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/mo

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/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

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$2,700

Difference

Home Values

Newark

San Diego

$484K

Median Value

$980K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -3%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +37.4%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$598K - $2.01M

Homes in San Diego are 103% more expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark Calculate payment - San Diego

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

San Diego, 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%

San Diego, 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.