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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Fairfield

California
167

Elizabeth is 33% cheaper than Fairfield.

$1,463/mo ↓ 33%
Median Rent
$2,191/mo ↑ 50%
$63,874/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$102,321/yr ↑ 60%
$393,500 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$592,500 ↑ 51%
$1,543/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 44%
135,887
Population
119,985

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
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Fairfield, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 167 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $728/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $8,736/year.

Median household income is $38,447/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $592,500 in Fairfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Fairfield — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Fairfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Fairfield?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Fairfield it's $2,191/month — a difference of $728/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Fairfield?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $102,321 in Fairfield. Median household income is $38,447/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with rent of $2,191/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Fairfield details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Fairfield

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Fairfield vs. Berkeley Fairfield vs. Hartford Fairfield vs. Ann Arbor Fairfield vs. West Palm Beach Fairfield vs. Lafayette Fairfield vs. Spring Hill