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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Elizabeth is 93% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,463/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 33%
$63,874/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 18%
$393,500 ↑ 230%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 70%
$1,543/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 37%
135,887
Population
112,546

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $487/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $5,844/year.

Median household income is $11,704/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Lansing — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Lansing?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $487/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Lansing?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $11,704/year higher in Elizabeth.
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 Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Lansing details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Lansing

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Lansing vs. Las Cruces Lansing vs. Pompano Beach Lansing vs. Gresham Lansing vs. Peoria Lansing vs. Beaumont Lansing vs. Downey