Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Newark is 5% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $70,898 in Newark.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Newark.
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