Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Peoria, IL (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Peoria

Illinois
61

Elizabeth is 84% more expensive than Peoria.

$1,463/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$951/mo ↓ 35%
$63,874/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$58,716/yr ↓ 8%
$393,500 ↑ 163%
Home Value
$149,500 ↓ 62%
$1,543/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,007/mo ↓ 35%
135,887
Population
112,126

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.95%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.07%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Peoria, IL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 61 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $512/month cheaper in Peoria, saving renters about $6,144/year.

Median household income is $5,158/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $149,500 in Peoria.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Peoria slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Peoria — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Peoria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Peoria is cheaper to live in with an index of 61 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Peoria?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Peoria it's $951/month — a difference of $512/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Peoria?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $58,716 in Peoria. Median household income is $5,158/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Illinois?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Peoria?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Peoria has a cost index of 61 with rent of $951/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Peoria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Peoria

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