Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Hartford, CT (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Hartford

Connecticut
81

Elizabeth is 38% more expensive than Hartford.

$1,463/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↓ 17%
$63,874/yr ↑ 41%
Median Income
$45,300/yr ↓ 29%
$393,500 ↑ 81%
Home Value
$217,200 ↓ 45%
$1,543/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,279/mo ↓ 17%
135,887
Population
119,970

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Hartford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 81 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $242/month cheaper in Hartford, saving renters about $2,904/year.

Median household income is $18,574/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $217,200 in Hartford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Hartford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Hartford — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Hartford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hartford is cheaper to live in with an index of 81 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Hartford?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Hartford it's $1,221/month — a difference of $242/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Hartford?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $45,300 in Hartford. Median household income is $18,574/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Connecticut?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Hartford?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Hartford has a cost index of 81 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Hartford details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Hartford

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