Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Plano is 10% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $67,562 in Plano.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Texas salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Plano sits at 123 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $400,000 in Plano, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,700 in Plano.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Newark scores 103 while Plano scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Plano (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $96,348 in Plano. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Plano.
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