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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Elizabeth is 64% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,463/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 104%
$63,874/yr ↓ 63%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 172%
$393,500 ↓ 74%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 288%
$1,543/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 98%
135,887
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,522/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $18,264/year.

Median household income is $109,796/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,522/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $109,796/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Santa Clara

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Santa Clara vs. Carrollton Santa Clara vs. Fargo Santa Clara vs. New Haven Santa Clara vs. Norman Santa Clara vs. Sterling Heights Santa Clara vs. Lewisville