Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Raleigh is 16% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $63,223 in Raleigh.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Raleigh sits at 107 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $370,000 in Raleigh, a difference of $30,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,500 in Raleigh.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Raleigh scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are lower than Raleigh (108).
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $67,266 in Raleigh. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Raleigh.
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