Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Boston is 57% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,093/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 30%
$94,755/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 33%
$710,400 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 45%
$2,176/mo ↑ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 29%
663,972
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.15%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $630/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $7,560/year.

Median household income is $30,881/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Boston slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Boston or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $630/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $30,881/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and New Jersey?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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