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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Richmond

California
161

Elizabeth is 30% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,463/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 30%
$63,874/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 41%
$393,500 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 65%
$1,543/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 31%
135,887
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $432/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $5,184/year.

Median household income is $26,164/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Richmond — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Richmond?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $432/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Richmond?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $26,164/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Richmond

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Richmond vs. Manchester Richmond vs. High Point Richmond vs. Westminster Richmond vs. League City Richmond vs. Antioch Richmond vs. Lowell