Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Elizabeth is 7% cheaper than Ann Arbor.

$1,463/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↑ 6%
$63,874/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↑ 27%
$393,500 ↓ 10%
Home Value
$435,100 ↑ 11%
$1,543/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↑ 6%
135,887
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $89/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $1,068/year.

Median household income is $17,215/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $89/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $17,215/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Michigan?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Ann Arbor details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Ann Arbor

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Ann Arbor vs. Lafayette Ann Arbor vs. Berkeley Ann Arbor vs. Rochester Ann Arbor vs. Fairfield Ann Arbor vs. Independence Ann Arbor vs. Hartford