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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Elizabeth is 36% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,463/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 59%
$63,874/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 72%
$393,500 ↓ 35%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 54%
$1,543/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 54%
135,887
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $867/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $10,404/year.

Median household income is $45,906/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Murrieta?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $867/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Murrieta?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $45,906/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Murrieta

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