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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

New Haven

Connecticut
95

Elizabeth is 17% more expensive than New Haven.

$1,463/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,442/mo ↓ 1%
$63,874/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$53,771/yr ↓ 16%
$393,500 ↑ 58%
Home Value
$249,000 ↓ 37%
$1,543/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,520/mo ↓ 1%
135,887
Population
132,893

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
32.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and New Haven, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $10,103/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $249,000 in New Haven.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs New Haven — common questions

Is Elizabeth or New Haven cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and New Haven?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in New Haven it's $1,442/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or New Haven?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $53,771 in New Haven. Median household income is $10,103/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 New Haven?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while New Haven has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,442/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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