Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Elizabeth is 4% more expensive than Brandon.

$1,463/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↑ 16%
$63,874/yr ↓ 17%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↑ 21%
$393,500 ↑ 34%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 25%
$1,543/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ≈ Same
135,887
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $228/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $2,736/year.

Median household income is $13,194/year higher in Brandon. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Brandon residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Brandon — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Brandon?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $228/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Brandon?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $13,194/year higher in Brandon.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Brandon details →

More Comparisons

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