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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Downey

California
169

Elizabeth is 34% cheaper than Downey.

$1,463/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 29%
$63,874/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 37%
$393,500 ↓ 46%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 85%
$1,543/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 29%
135,887
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $429/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $5,148/year.

Median household income is $23,526/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Downey — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Downey?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $429/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Downey?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $23,526/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Downey details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Downey

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Downey vs. Peoria Downey vs. Murrieta Downey vs. Pompano Beach Downey vs. Pueblo Downey vs. Lansing Downey vs. Miami Gardens