CCCityCheck
SafetyCostCitiesProvidersSearch

Newark vs Jersey City: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

Jersey City is 15% more expensive than Newark. Newark is 7% safer. Newark population: 323,808. Jersey City population: 302,013.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingNewark
SafetyNewark
HousingNewark

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: Newark vs Jersey City

Newark is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 150 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.

CategoryNewarkJersey City
Overall Index130150
Housing$3,471/moIndex: 195$4,272/moIndex: 240
Groceries$435/moIndex: 106$443/moIndex: 108
Transportation$392/moIndex: 112$403/moIndex: 115
Healthcare$346/moIndex: 108$346/moIndex: 108
Utilities$231/moIndex: 105$231/moIndex: 105

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: Newark vs Jersey City

Newark is 7% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.3 per 1,000 residents vs Jersey City's 23.9. Newark earns a B- safety grade compared to Jersey City's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

B-

Newark

New Jersey

Overall GradeB-
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate22.3/1K
TrendStable
C+

Jersey City

New Jersey

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate23.9/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricNewarkJersey City
Overall Crime Rate22.3/1K23.9/1K
Violent Crime Rate440.3390.2
Property Crime Rate1792.82004.4
Murder Rate8.56.2
Assault Rate303.2285.1
Robbery Rate51.262.2
Burglary Rate336.2351.9
Theft Rate1275.91270.8
Vehicle Theft Rate299.2277.0

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In Newark, you have a 1 in 45 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 42 in Jersey City.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Newark cheaper than Jersey City?
Newark is 15% more affordable than Jersey City, with a cost of living index of 130 vs 150 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $3,471/mo in Newark vs $4,272/mo in Jersey City.
Is Newark safer than Jersey City?
Newark is 7% safer overall, with a crime rate of 22.3 per 1,000 residents vs Jersey City's 23.9. Newark earns a B- safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to Newark or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Newark is safer (B- grade). Newark is more affordable (index 130 vs 150). Newark has a population of 323,808 and Jersey City has 302,013. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is Newark compared to Jersey City?
Newark has a population of 323,808 and Jersey City has 302,013. Newark is 7% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in Newark or Jersey City?
Housing is cheaper in Newark. Estimated monthly housing costs: Newark $3,471/mo vs Jersey City $4,272/mo. That's based on a housing index of 195 vs 240 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

B-
Newark Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Jersey City Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

Know before you go

CityCheck covers safety, cost of living, climate, and things to do for every US city.

Explore cities