City comparison
Yes. Newark's crime index is 136 versus 151 in Reno, and its violent crime index is 159 versus 156, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Newark is cheaper. Median rent is $1,392 a month versus $1,556 in Reno.
The income gap between Newark and Reno is significant: $52,060 median household versus $80,760. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $1,392 in Newark and $1,556 in Reno.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Newark costs less and Reno pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
Weather is the one thing you cannot negotiate with. Visit Newark in its coldest stretch before you sign anything.
The move
Newark and Reno are 2,385 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,392 a month in Newark to $1,556 a month in Reno, up $164 a month (12%).
Median household income goes from $52,060 in Newark to $80,760 in Reno, up $28,700 (55%).
The crime index goes from 136 in Newark to 151 in Reno, up 15 points (11%).
The move
Reno and Newark are 2,385 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,556 a month in Reno to $1,392 a month in Newark, down $164 a month (11%).
Median household income goes from $80,760 in Reno to $52,060 in Newark, down $28,700 (36%).
The crime index goes from 151 in Reno to 136 in Newark, down 15 points (10%).
Newark, NJ
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Reno, NV
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Newark and Reno? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
11% cheaper
Newark rent is 11% cheaper than Reno
Newark
Winner$1,392/mo
Reno
$1,556/mo
Typical rent runs $1,392 a month in Newark versus $1,556 in Reno, so Newark is 11% cheaper. A meaningful but not dramatic gap. Factor it into your budget alongside salary differences between the two markets. Over a year the spread is about $1,968, enough to notice in savings, not enough to ignore schools, safety, or pay. Newark still wins on housing cost; just do not let a 10–20% rent edge override a job that only exists in Reno.
Planning to buy in Newark? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
55% higher
Reno's median income is 55% higher than Newark
Newark
$52,060
Reno
Winner$80,760
Median household income is $80,760 in Reno versus $52,060 in Newark, so typical pay runs 55% higher in Reno (about $28,700 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, Reno 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
10% lower crime
Newark's crime index is 10% lower than Reno
Newark
Winner136 (100 = avg)
Reno
151 (100 = avg)
Newark's crime index is 136 versus 151 in Reno (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 10% lower in Newark. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Newark, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Reno. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
33% more comfortable
Reno weather is 33% more comfortable than Newark
Newark
54°F avg · 60°F highs · comfort 69/100
Reno
Winner62°F avg · 71°F highs · comfort 92/100
Newark averages about 54°F (60°F highs); Reno averages about 62°F (71°F highs). Newark averages around 54°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Reno averages around 62°F. Reno scores 33% 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
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Newark is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 11% 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.
Newark is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 10% lower than Reno (136 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
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 55% higher ($80,760), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 62°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Bottom line
Newark is cheaper on rent ($1,392/month vs $1,556), but Reno's $80,760 median income beats Newark's $52,060 by 36%. Remote workers paid on Reno scales can make that trade; local-market earners often cannot.
With only $164 separating typical rent, run both offer letters before housing cost alone picks the city.
Typical rent stays $1,392 in Newark and $1,556 in Reno.
Between Newark and Reno, Reno is ahead on local pay — $80,760 median income against $52,060. Lean Newark instead when keeping rent near $1,392/month beats chasing $80,760 median income.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Newark when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Newark and Reno, plus other cities in NJ and NV.
