Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Kent, WA (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Elizabeth is 33% cheaper than Kent.

$1,463/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 25%
$63,874/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 42%
$393,500 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 37%
$1,543/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 24%
135,887
Population
135,015

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
Sales Tax
6.5%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $370/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $4,440/year.

Median household income is $26,542/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Kent residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Kent — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Kent?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $370/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Kent?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $26,542/year higher in Kent.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Washington?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Kent details →