Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 12% more affordable than Newark. A $75,000 salary in Newark is equivalent to $66,322 in Salt Lake City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Newark has a housing index of 149 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Newark costs $340,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $100,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Newark versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Newark scores 103 while Salt Lake City scores 99. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Newark (105) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Newark is $40,014 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Salt Lake City.
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