Cost of Living: Denver, CO vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Denver

Colorado
147
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Denver is 31% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,770/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 17%
$91,681/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 30%
$586,700 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 33%
$1,839/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 16%
713,734
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
10.75%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.51%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

23.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Denver, CO and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 147 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $307/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $3,684/year.

Median household income is $27,807/year higher in Denver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denver is $586,700 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Denver slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denver vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Denver or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 147 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denver and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Denver is $1,770/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $307/month.
Which city has higher income, Denver or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $91,681 in Denver and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $27,807/year higher in Denver.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and New Jersey?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Denver or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Denver has a cost index of 147 with median rent of $1,770/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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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Denver and Elizabeth

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