City comparison
No. Newark's crime index is 136 versus 223 in Washington, and its violent crime index is 159 versus 243, using 2024-2025 FBI data.
Newark is cheaper. Median rent is $1,392 a month versus $1,954 in Washington.
The income gap between Washington and Newark is significant: $109,870 median household versus $52,060. That spread matters more if you are job hunting locally than if you are remote. Typical rent is $1,954 in Washington and $1,392 in Newark.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Newark costs less and Washington 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
Washington and Newark are 198 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,954 a month in Washington to $1,392 a month in Newark, down $562 a month (29%).
Median household income goes from $109,870 in Washington to $52,060 in Newark, down $57,810 (53%).
The crime index goes from 223 in Washington to 136 in Newark, down 87 points (39%).
The move
Newark and Washington are 198 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,392 a month in Newark to $1,954 a month in Washington, up $562 a month (40%).
Median household income goes from $52,060 in Newark to $109,870 in Washington, up $57,810 (111%).
The crime index goes from 136 in Newark to 223 in Washington, up 87 points (64%).
Washington, DC
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 Washington and Newark? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
29% cheaper
Newark rent is 29% cheaper than Washington
Washington
$1,954/mo
Newark
Winner$1,392/mo
Typical rent runs $1,392 a month in Newark versus $1,954 in Washington, so Newark is 29% cheaper. That's roughly $562/month back in your pocket ($6,744/year). Over five years that's $33,720 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 Washington, 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
111% higher
Washington's median income is 111% higher than Newark
Washington
Winner$109,870
Newark
$52,060
Median household income is $109,870 in Washington versus $52,060 in Newark, so typical pay runs 111% higher in Washington (about $57,810 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, Washington 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
39% lower crime
Newark's crime index is 39% lower than Washington
Washington
223 (100 = avg)
Newark
Winner136 (100 = avg)
Newark's crime index is 136 versus 223 in Washington (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 39% 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. Washington can still work if you pick the right pocket. Just budget more diligence before you sign a lease.
Typical weather
4% more comfortable
Washington weather is 4% more comfortable than Newark
Washington
Winner55°F avg · 62°F highs · comfort 72/100
Newark
54°F avg · 60°F highs · comfort 69/100
Washington averages about 55°F (62°F highs); Newark averages about 54°F (60°F highs). Washington 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. Washington 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 111% higher ($109,870), 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 29% 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 39% lower than Washington (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
This pair is really a paycheck comparison: Washington at $109,870 median income versus $52,060 in Newark. Housing ($1,392 in Newark, $1,954 in Washington) is secondary unless you are rent-burdened already.
Washington still pays more locally ($109,870 median income vs $52,060), which can offset the lease if your field pays Washington rates.
Typical rent stays $1,392 in Newark and $1,954 in Washington.
If local pay drives your move, Washington is the stronger match ($109,870 median income against $52,060). If an employer or family tie already points to Newark, treat $1,392/month rent and $52,060 income as the numbers that actually govern the decision.
Common questions
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Next steps
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Washington and Newark, plus other cities in DC and NJ.
