Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 2.4% more expensive than Newark, NJ. This translates to spending an extra $179 per month.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Newark, NJ?

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $152,142.857 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Newark, NJ and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 1.5% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Newark, NJ to Seattle, WA?

Living in Seattle, WA costs approximately $179 more per month than Newark, NJ, or $2143 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Newark, NJ vs Seattle, WA: 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 $179/month more in Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $152.1K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↑ 2.4%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$179

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$2.1K

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

102

(2% above avg)

Median Home:$808K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Newark, NJ vs Seattle, WA

Category	Newark, NJ	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,899/mo	↑ $296more	18.5%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$824/mo	↑ $136more	19.8%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$481/mo	↓ $119less	19.9%
Housing	$7,648/mo	$7,536/mo	↓ $112less	1.5%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$1,079/mo	↓ $85.94less	7.4%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,975/mo	↓ $58.59less	2.9%

Transportation

↑ 18.5%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$296

Healthcare

↑ 19.8%

Newark, NJ

$688

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$136

All Utilities

↓ 19.9%

Newark, NJ

$600

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$119

less

Housing

↓ 1.5%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$112

less

Groceries

↓ 7.4%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$85.94

less

Other

↓ 2.9%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$58.59

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Seattle, WA 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$2,180

↑ $780

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$2,260

↑ $660

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$2,630

↑ $700

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$3,440

↑ $1,010

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$57.34

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Seattle

$484K

Median Value

$808K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 67% more expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.4K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$619

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

5.0%

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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.