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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Elizabeth is 51% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,463/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 64%
$63,874/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 72%
$393,500 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 168%
$1,543/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 60%
135,887
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $932/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $11,184/year.

Median household income is $46,199/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $932/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $46,199/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Costa Mesa

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria