Is Springfield, MA cheaper than Newark, NJ?

Based on cost of living data, Springfield, MA is 34.8% cheaper than Newark, NJ. This translates to saving $2610 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Newark, NJ, you'd need approximately $118,676.466 in Springfield, MA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Springfield, MA is 54.4% cheaper than in Newark, NJ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,150/month in Springfield, MA compared to $1,930/month in Newark, NJ.

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

Moving from Newark, NJ to Springfield, MA could save you approximately $2610 per month, or $31324 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Newark, NJ vs Springfield, MA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Tap to swap

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 $2.6K/month moving to Springfield, MA

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.7K in Springfield, MA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 34.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,610

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.3K

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

Springfield, MA

Population:154K

Cost Index:

(35% below avg)

Median Home:$294K

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Springfield, MA

The Bay State

154K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 154K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Newark, NJ vs Springfield, MA

Category	Newark, NJ	Springfield, MA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,648/mo	$3,490/mo	↓ $4,158less	54.4%
Other	$2,034/mo	$1,341/mo	↓ $693less	34.1%
Transportation	$1,602/mo	$1,346/mo	↓ $257less	16.0%
Groceries	$1,165/mo	$925/mo	↓ $240less	20.6%
Healthcare	$688/mo	$637/mo	↓ $50.28less	7.3%
All Utilities	$600/mo	$614/mo	↑ $13.75more	2.3%

Housing

↓ 54.4%

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Springfield, MA

$3,490

Difference

$4,158

less

Other

↓ 34.1%

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Springfield, MA

$1,341

Difference

$693

less

Transportation

↓ 16.0%

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Springfield, MA

$1,346

Difference

$257

less

Groceries

↓ 20.6%

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Springfield, MA

$925

Difference

$240

less

Healthcare

↓ 7.3%

Newark, NJ

$688

Springfield, MA

$637

Difference

$50.28

less

All Utilities

↑ 2.3%

Newark, NJ

$600

Springfield, MA

$614

Difference

$13.75

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Springfield, 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$809

↓ $591

1 Bed

From$1,600

To$915

↓ $685

2 Bed

From$1,930

To$1,150

↓ $780

3 Bed

From$2,430

To$1,409

↓ $1,021

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/mo

Springfield, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,630/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

$8,353

Monthly in Springfield, MA

$5,384

Difference

Home Values

Newark

Springfield

$484K

Median Value

$294K

↓ -0.4%

YoY Change

↑ +2.5%

↑ +30.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +45.5%

$395K - $565K

Price Range

$137K - $323K

Homes in Springfield are 39% less expensive than Newark

Calculate payment - Newark Calculate payment - Springfield

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

Springfield, 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%

Springfield, 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.