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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Elizabeth is 12% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,463/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 25%
$63,874/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 51%
$393,500 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 3%
$1,543/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 16%
135,887
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $362/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $4,344/year.

Median household income is $32,383/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Richardson — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Richardson?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $362/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Richardson?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $32,383/year higher in Richardson.
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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Richardson

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater