Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Anaheim is 70% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,082/mo ↑ 42%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 30%
$90,583/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 29%
$771,700 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 49%
$2,165/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 29%
344,553
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $619/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $7,428/year.

Median household income is $26,709/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Anaheim or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $619/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $26,709/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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