Cost of Living: Arlington, VA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Arlington is 81% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,275/mo ↑ 56%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 36%
$140,160/yr ↑ 119%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 54%
$864,800 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 54%
$2,414/mo ↑ 56%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 36%
235,463
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $812/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $9,744/year.

Median household income is $76,286/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Virginia has a lower income tax rate, making Arlington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Arlington or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $812/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $76,286/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and New Jersey?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Arlington or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 203 with median rent of $2,275/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.
View Arlington details → View Elizabeth details →

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