Cost of Living: Atlanta, GA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Atlanta is 9% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,617/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 10%
$81,938/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 22%
$420,600 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 6%
$1,695/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 9%
499,287
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $154/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $1,848/year.

Median household income is $18,064/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Atlanta slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Atlanta or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $154/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $18,064/year higher in Atlanta.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and New Jersey?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Atlanta or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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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