Newark, NJ Utility & Living Guide

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Newark, NJ Utility & Living Guide

Newark is the most populous city in the U.S. state of New Jersey, the county seat of Essex County, and a principal city of the New York metropolitan area. As of the 2020 census, the city's population was 311,549. The Population Estimates Program calculated a population of 317,303 for 2024, making it

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
📷 Live Cameras — Newark
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🌤️ Live Weather — Newark
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Newark
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G)
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

Public Service Electric and Gas (PSE&G)
💧 Water

$45/mo

Newark Water Department
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Newark Department of Public Works
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Newark’s housing market is relatively affordable compared to nearby NYC, with steady demand for rentals and moderate home price growth. Revitalization efforts are attracting new residents.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<p>State 6.625% + County 0% + City 0.875%</p>

New Jersey has a progressive income tax ranging from 1.4% to 10.75%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+2.5% (growing)
Political Climate
Blue
Business Momentum
Moderate with key industries in logistics, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
crime, affordable housing, public schools
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is accessible but crowded; some stations have elevators.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Newark Museum
  • 🎯
    Branch Brook Park
  • 🎯
    Turtle Back Zoo

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Forest Hill and Ironbound are popular for families, offering good schools and amenities. Downtown is improving but still has safety concerns.

Household Budget Calculator

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📊 Newark — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$41,335
👤 Median Age
34.7
🏠 Homeownership Rate
23.2%
🔑 Renter Rate
76.8%
📉 Poverty Rate
25.8%
💼 Unemployment Rate
11.2%
📡 Internet Access
74.4%
🎓 College Educated
14.7%

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Summer AC use can double electric bills, while winter heating raises gas costs. Spring and fall are milder with lower utility expenses.

🏛️ Local Tax Details

Key ZIP code level tax info: Newark property tax rate is ~1.2%, with some areas having additional local surtaxes.

👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness

6/10: Sidewalks are decent but uneven in places. Parks are accessible, but transit elevator availability is limited.

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