Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Elizabeth is 53% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,463/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 87%
$63,874/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 98%
$393,500 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 164%
$1,543/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 71%
135,887
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,279/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $15,348/year.

Median household income is $62,595/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Cambridge slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Cambridge?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,279/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Cambridge?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $62,595/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Massachusetts?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Cambridge details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Cambridge

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Cambridge vs. Richardson Cambridge vs. North Charleston Cambridge vs. Billings Cambridge vs. Clearwater Cambridge vs. Wilmington Cambridge vs. Lakeland