Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Elizabeth is 42% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,463/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 14%
$63,874/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 2%
$393,500 ↑ 91%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 48%
$1,543/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 24%
135,887
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Dearborn, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $1,318/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Dearborn slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Dearborn?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Dearborn?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $1,318/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Michigan?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Dearborn details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Dearborn

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