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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Elizabeth is 56% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,463/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 83%
$63,874/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 118%
$393,500 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 194%
$1,543/mo ↓ 45%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 82%
135,887
Population
114,500

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,215/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $14,580/year.

Median household income is $75,452/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,215/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $75,452/year higher in Carlsbad.
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 Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Carlsbad details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Carlsbad

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Carlsbad vs. East Los Angeles Carlsbad vs. Waterbury Carlsbad vs. Lowell Carlsbad vs. Provo Carlsbad vs. League City Carlsbad vs. Elgin