Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Elizabeth is 20% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,463/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 10%
$63,874/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↑ 37%
$393,500 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 27%
$1,543/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 14%
135,887
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
9.85%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
2.23%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $23,893/year higher in Rochester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

Minnesota has a lower income tax rate, making Rochester slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Rochester — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Rochester?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Rochester?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $23,893/year higher in Rochester.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Minnesota?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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