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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Elizabeth is 18% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,463/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 26%
$63,874/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 32%
$393,500 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 22%
$1,543/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 16%
135,887
Population
109,880

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $379/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $4,548/year.

Median household income is $20,743/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $379/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $20,743/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Santa Maria details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Santa Maria

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Santa Maria vs. Ventura Santa Maria vs. Sugar Land Santa Maria vs. Temecula Santa Maria vs. Greeley Santa Maria vs. Costa Mesa Santa Maria vs. South Fulton