Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Berkeley, CA (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Berkeley

California
251

Elizabeth is 55% cheaper than Berkeley.

$1,463/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$2,127/mo ↑ 45%
$63,874/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$108,558/yr ↑ 70%
$393,500 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$1,351,100 ↑ 243%
$1,543/mo ↓ 34%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 52%
135,887
Population
120,223

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Berkeley, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 251 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $664/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $7,968/year.

Median household income is $44,684/year higher in Berkeley. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $1,351,100 in Berkeley.

New Jersey has a lower income tax rate, making Elizabeth slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Berkeley — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Berkeley cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 251 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Berkeley?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Berkeley it's $2,127/month — a difference of $664/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Berkeley?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $108,558 in Berkeley. Median household income is $44,684/year higher in Berkeley.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and California?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Berkeley?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Berkeley has a cost index of 251 with rent of $2,127/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Berkeley details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Berkeley

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