Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Athens, GA (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Athens

Georgia
83

Elizabeth is 35% more expensive than Athens.

$1,463/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,162/mo ↓ 21%
$63,874/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$51,655/yr ↓ 19%
$393,500 ↑ 45%
Home Value
$271,800 ↓ 31%
$1,543/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,163/mo ↓ 25%
135,887
Population
126,987

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
5.49%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Athens, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $301/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $3,612/year.

Median household income is $12,219/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $271,800 in Athens.

Georgia has a lower income tax rate, making Athens slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Athens — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Athens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Athens?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Athens it's $1,162/month — a difference of $301/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Athens?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $51,655 in Athens. Median household income is $12,219/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Georgia?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Athens?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Athens has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,162/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Athens details →

More Comparisons

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