Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Philadelphia is 12% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $65,702 in Philadelphia.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Pennsylvania salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Philadelphia sits at 107 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $240,000 in Philadelphia, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,400 in Philadelphia.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Philadelphia scores 104. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Philadelphia (101). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $49,127 in Philadelphia. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Philadelphia.
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