City comparison
No. Newark's crime index is 136 versus 252 in Seattle, and its violent crime index is 159 versus 216, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Newark is cheaper. Median rent is $1,392 a month versus $2,030 in Seattle.
The income gap between Seattle and Newark is significant: $123,860 median household versus $52,060. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $2,030 in Seattle and $1,392 in Newark.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Newark costs less and Seattle 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.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Newark at $1,392 average has pockets that run $1,192 and others at $1,792: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Seattle and Newark are 2,393 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $2,030 a month in Seattle to $1,392 a month in Newark, down $638 a month (31%).
Median household income goes from $123,860 in Seattle to $52,060 in Newark, down $71,800 (58%).
The crime index goes from 252 in Seattle to 136 in Newark, down 116 points (46%).
The move
Newark and Seattle are 2,393 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,392 a month in Newark to $2,030 a month in Seattle, up $638 a month (46%).
Median household income goes from $52,060 in Newark to $123,860 in Seattle, up $71,800 (138%).
The crime index goes from 136 in Newark to 252 in Seattle, up 116 points (85%).
Seattle, WA
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 Seattle and Newark? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
31% cheaper
Newark rent is 31% cheaper than Seattle
Seattle
$2,030/mo
Newark
Winner$1,392/mo
Typical rent runs $1,392 a month in Newark versus $2,030 in Seattle, so Newark is 31% cheaper. That's roughly $638/month back in your pocket ($7,656/year). Over five years that's $38,280 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Seattle, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Newark is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Newark? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
138% higher
Seattle's median income is 138% higher than Newark
Seattle
Winner$123,860
Newark
$52,060
Median household income is $123,860 in Seattle versus $52,060 in Newark, so typical pay runs 138% higher in Seattle (about $71,800 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, Seattle 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
46% lower crime
Newark's crime index is 46% lower than Seattle
Seattle
252 (100 = avg)
Newark
Winner136 (100 = avg)
Newark's crime index is 136 versus 252 in Seattle (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 46% lower in Newark. That gap is meaningful day-to-day. It affects whether you feel comfortable walking at night, leaving your car on the street, or letting kids play outside unsupervised. Indexes still compress a lot of reality: a calmer city has blocks you would skip, and a higher-crime city has streets that feel neighborly at 10 p.m. On the everyday test of walking from the car to the door, Newark is the easier city. Seattle can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
4% more comfortable
Seattle weather is 4% more comfortable than Newark
Seattle
Winner55°F avg · 62°F highs · comfort 72/100
Newark
54°F avg · 60°F highs · comfort 69/100
Seattle averages about 55°F (62°F highs); Newark averages about 54°F (60°F highs). Seattle averages around 55°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Newark averages around 54°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Seattle scores 4% 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 138% higher ($123,860), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 55°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
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 31% 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 46% lower than Seattle (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.
Bottom line
Newark is cheaper on rent ($1,392/month vs $2,030), but Seattle's $123,860 median income beats Newark's $52,060 by 58%. Remote workers paid on Seattle scales can make that trade; local-market earners often cannot.
Seattle still pays more locally ($123,860 median income vs $52,060), which can offset the lease if your field pays Seattle rates.
Typical rent stays $1,392 in Newark and $2,030 in Seattle.
Between Seattle and Newark, Seattle is ahead on local pay — $123,860 median income against $52,060. Lean Newark instead when keeping rent near $1,392/month beats chasing $123,860 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 Seattle and Newark, plus other cities in WA and NJ.
