Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Elizabeth is 35% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,463/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 10%
$63,874/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 14%
$393,500 ↑ 89%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 47%
$1,543/mo ↑ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 19%
135,887
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $141/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $1,692/year.

Median household income is $9,156/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Odessa — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Odessa?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $141/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Odessa?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $9,156/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Texas?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Odessa

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham