Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Elizabeth is 60% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,463/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 51%
$63,874/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↑ 68%
$393,500 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 56%
$1,543/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 53%
135,887
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
6.99%
6.625%
Sales Tax
6.35%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $744/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $8,928/year.

Median household income is $43,600/year higher in Stamford. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

Connecticut has a lower income tax rate, making Stamford slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Stamford — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Stamford?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $744/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Stamford?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $43,600/year higher in Stamford.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Connecticut?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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