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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Elizabeth is 26% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,463/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 23%
$63,874/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 78%
$393,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 53%
$1,543/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 26%
135,887
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $339/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $4,068/year.

Median household income is $49,522/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Arvada — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Arvada?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $339/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Arvada?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $49,522/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Colorado?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Arvada

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence