Cost of Living: Bellevue, WA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Bellevue

Washington
250
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Bellevue is 123% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,505/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 42%
$161,300/yr ↑ 153%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 60%
$1,203,100 ↑ 206%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 67%
$2,586/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 40%
151,199
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.92%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

18.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Bellevue, WA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 250 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,042/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $12,504/year.

Median household income is $97,426/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Bellevue is $1,203,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bellevue vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Bellevue or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Bellevue and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Bellevue is $2,505/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $1,042/month.
Which city has higher income, Bellevue or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $161,300 in Bellevue and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $97,426/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Washington and New Jersey?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% 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 Bellevue or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with median rent of $2,505/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 Bellevue details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Bellevue and Elizabeth

Bellevue vs. Charleston Bellevue vs. Escondido Bellevue vs. Roseville Bellevue vs. Jackson Bellevue vs. Hollywood Bellevue vs. Joliet Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland