Cost of LivingUpdated 2026-03-23

Newark, New Jersey

In Newark, New Jersey, a gallon of regular gas costs $3.88 as of 2026-03-23 — $0.43 above the national average of $3.45. The average monthly rent for all unit types is $2,200, compared to the national average of $1,900. Grocery inflation is running at 2.58% year-over-year. Since 2022, bread prices have increased significantly while egg prices have been volatile due to avian flu outbreaks. Newark's cost-of-living index of 125 puts it above the national average of 100.

Key Numbers

Gas (Regular)

$3.88

National: $3.45

1.7%vs. 2022
AAA Gas Prices

Avg Rent (All)

$2,200

National: $1,900

14.0%vs. 2022

Grocery Inflation

2.58%

Year-over-year

BLS/FRED CPI

Fast Food Avg

$19.31

Combo meal

3.4%YoY

Electricity

18.6¢/kWh

~$167/mo avg bill

14.8%vs national avg
EIA Residential

Car Insurance

$215/mo

$2,580/yr state avg

20.0%vs national avg
Bankrate/NAIC

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Grocery Prices

Grocery Item Prices — 2022 to Present

Item20222023202420252026Change
Eggs (dozen)Bird flu volatility$1.96$2.29$2.90$4.38$2.43+2960.0%
Milk (gallon)$3.81$4.12$4.12$4.33$4.42+630.0%
Ground Beef (lb)$4.30$5.33$5.71$6.00$6.12+42.3%
Bread (loaf)$2.33$3.15$3.44$3.57$3.60+1900.0%
Chicken Breast (lb)$3.94$4.13$4.21$4.25$4.25+2630.0%
Butter (lb)$4.71$5.38$5.59$5.87$5.99+27.2%
Bacon (lb)$6.94$7.65$8.03$8.18$8.26+19.0%
Cheddar Cheese (lb)$6.19$6.74$6.94$7.15$7.37+19.1%
Pasta (lb)$1.58$1.89$1.96$2.00$2.06+30.4%
Rice (5 lb)$4.71$5.36$5.57$5.62$5.62+19.3%
Coffee (12 oz)$9.63$11.79$12.48$13.24$13.64+41.6%
Orange Juice (64 oz)Citrus shortage$4.26$4.93$5.53$5.80$5.97+40.1%
Potatoes (5 lb)$4.49$4.81$5.10$5.36$5.58+24.3%
Apples (3 lb)$5.10$5.46$5.56$5.67$5.90+15.7%
Tomatoes (lb)$2.47$2.74$2.90$3.01$3.10+25.5%
Lettuce (head)$2.06$2.24$2.37$2.49$2.54+23.3%
Cooking Oil (48 oz)$6.05$7.64$8.17$8.33$8.58+41.8%
Yogurt (32 oz)$4.76$5.19$5.56$5.90$5.96+25.2%
Cereal (family size)$5.12$5.89$6.37$6.49$6.62+29.3%
Frozen Pizza$6.96$8.44$9.12$9.67$9.96+43.1%

Dining & Restaurants

Fast Food Meal

$19.31

Casual Dining

$36.75

Monthly Spend

$636.18

+3.37% YoY

Chain Restaurant Meal Prices — 2022 vs. Today

Combo meal / typical order for one

McDonald's

2022: $11.97

$19.31

+61.3%

Wendy's

2022: $13.52

$20.85

+54.2%

Chipotle

2022: $14.48

$21.63

+49.4%

Starbucks

2022: $6.55

$9.10

+38.9%

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