Is Newark, NJ cheaper than Worcester, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Newark, NJ is 24.1% more expensive than Worcester, MA. This translates to spending an extra $1805 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Worcester, MA, you'd need approximately $171,656.561 in Newark, NJ to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Newark, NJ is 77.2% more expensive than in Worcester, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,930/month in Newark, NJ compared to $1,645/month in Worcester, MA.

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

Living in Newark, NJ costs approximately $1805 more per month than Worcester, MA, or $21657 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Worcester, MA vs Newark, NJ: 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 Worcester, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.8K/month more in Newark, NJ

$150.0K in your current city equals $171.7K in Newark, NJ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area

Overall Cost

↑ 24.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,805

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$21.7K

Per year

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

Worcester, MA

Population:208K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$410K

Newark, NJ

Population:312K

Cost Index:

124

(24% above avg)

Median Home:$484K

Worcester, MA

The Bay State

208K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 208K residents.

Newark, NJ

The Garden State

312K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Worcester, MA vs Newark, NJ

Category	Worcester, MA	Newark, NJ	Difference	Change
Housing	$4,315/mo	$7,648/mo	↑ $3,333more	77.2%
Other	$1,658/mo	$2,034/mo	↑ $376more	22.7%
Groceries	$1,029/mo	$1,165/mo	↑ $136more	13.2%
All Utilities	$682/mo	$600/mo	↓ $82.43less	12.1%
Transportation	$1,664/mo	$1,602/mo	↓ $61.24less	3.7%
Healthcare	$709/mo	$688/mo	↓ $21.06less	3.0%

Housing

↑ 77.2%

Worcester, MA

$4,315

Newark, NJ

$7,648

Difference

$3,333

Other

↑ 22.7%

Worcester, MA

$1,658

Newark, NJ

$2,034

Difference

$376

Groceries

↑ 13.2%

Worcester, MA

$1,029

Newark, NJ

$1,165

Difference

$136

All Utilities

↓ 12.1%

Worcester, MA

$682

Newark, NJ

$600

Difference

$82.43

less

Transportation

↓ 3.7%

Worcester, MA

$1,664

Newark, NJ

$1,602

Difference

$61.24

less

Healthcare

↓ 3.0%

Worcester, MA

$709

Newark, NJ

$688

Difference

$21.06

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Worcester, 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$1,275

To$1,400

↑ $125

1 Bed

From$1,282

To$1,600

↑ $318

2 Bed

From$1,645

To$1,930

↑ $285

3 Bed

From$2,039

To$2,430

↑ $391

Worcester, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,500–$1,750/mo

Newark, NJZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,600–$1,610/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.

$10,057

Monthly in Worcester, MA

$13,737

Monthly in Newark, NJ

$3,680

Difference

Home Values

Worcester

Newark

$410K

Median Value

$484K

↑ +1.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.4%

↑ +42.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.9%

$188K - $530K

Price Range

$395K - $565K

Homes in Newark are 18% more expensive than Worcester

Calculate payment - Worcester Calculate payment - Newark

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $69.50

Per year

Monthly Difference

$5.79

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Worcester, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

Worcester, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

Property Tax:1.2%

Newark, NJ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.6%

Property Tax:2.5%

💡 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.