City comparison
Yes. Arlington's crime index is 132 versus 136 in Newark, and its violent crime index is 130 versus 159, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Newark is cheaper. Median rent is $1,392 a month versus $1,470 in Arlington.
Climate is the sharpest divide between Arlington and Newark. Arlington averages 67°F while Newark averages 54°F, a difference that affects utility bills, outdoor lifestyle, and how you feel nine months of the year. Rent runs $1,470 versus $1,392.
Arlington is not a close call here. It leads on the job market, safety, and weather by margins that add up in daily life. Newark makes sense if you have a specific reason, a job offer, family, or a neighborhood you already know, but on the numbers alone Arlington is the stronger move.
Weather is the one thing you cannot negotiate with. Visit Newark in its coldest stretch before you sign anything.
The move
Arlington and Newark are 1,380 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,470 a month in Arlington to $1,392 a month in Newark, down $78 a month (5%).
Median household income goes from $75,171 in Arlington to $52,060 in Newark, down $23,111 (31%).
The crime index goes from 132 in Arlington to 136 in Newark, up 4 points (3%).
The move
Newark and Arlington are 1,380 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,392 a month in Newark to $1,470 a month in Arlington, up $78 a month (6%).
Median household income goes from $52,060 in Newark to $75,171 in Arlington, up $23,111 (44%).
The crime index goes from 136 in Newark to 132 in Arlington, down 4 points (3%).
Arlington, TX
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Newark, NJ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Arlington and Newark? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
5% cheaper
Newark rent is 5% cheaper than Arlington
Arlington
$1,470/mo
Newark
Winner$1,392/mo
Typical rent runs $1,392 a month in Newark versus $1,470 in Arlington, so Newark is 5% cheaper. The monthly spread is about $78, or $936 a year: noticeable, but rent alone should not pick the city. Use this as a tie-breaker after you compare income, schools, and crime, unless you are already stretching every dollar.
Planning to buy in Arlington? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
44% higher
Arlington's median income is 44% higher than Newark
Arlington
Winner$75,171
Newark
$52,060
Median household income is $75,171 in Arlington versus $52,060 in Newark, so typical pay runs 44% higher in Arlington (about $23,111 more household income a year). Higher median income usually signals a stronger local job market and better negotiating leverage on salary. Remote workers should weigh this against cost of living rather than treating it as a direct personal benefit. For people who will actually work in town, Arlington is the stronger labor market on paper. Newark can still win if housing is cheap enough to offset the weaker median or if your specific role already pays well there.
Crime index
3% lower crime
Arlington's crime index is 3% lower than Newark
Arlington
Winner132 (100 = avg)
Newark
136 (100 = avg)
Arlington's crime index is 132 versus 136 in Newark (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 3% lower in Arlington. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Arlington, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Newark. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
45% more comfortable
Arlington weather is 45% more comfortable than Newark
Arlington
Winner67°F avg · 74°F highs · comfort 100/100
Newark
54°F avg · 60°F highs · comfort 69/100
Arlington averages about 67°F (74°F highs); Newark averages about 54°F (60°F highs). Arlington sits near 67°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Newark averages around 54°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Arlington scores 45% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Newark if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 44% higher ($75,171), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 67°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Arlington is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 3% lower than Newark (132 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
People with a job, family, or neighborhood already pulling them to Newark
Newark is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 5% cheaper here at about $1,392 a month. Choose Newark if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Bottom line
Newark is cheaper on rent ($1,392/month vs $1,470), but Arlington's $75,171 median income beats Newark's $52,060 by 31%. Remote workers paid on Arlington scales can make that trade; local-market earners often cannot.
With only $78 separating typical rent, run both offer letters before housing cost alone picks the city.
Safety scores read 52/100 in Arlington and 51/100 in Newark.
Most movers who prioritize local pay land in Arlington; Newark only makes sense when $1,392/month housing savings outweigh $75,171 median pay in your field.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Arlington when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Arlington and Newark, plus other cities in TX and NJ.
