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

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Temecula

California
179

Elizabeth is 37% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,463/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 57%
$63,874/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 84%
$393,500 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 63%
$1,543/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 58%
135,887
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $834/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $10,008/year.

Median household income is $53,966/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Temecula — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Temecula?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $834/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Temecula?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $53,966/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View Temecula details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Temecula

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Temecula vs. Costa Mesa Temecula vs. Ventura Temecula vs. Everett Temecula vs. Santa Maria Temecula vs. Miami Gardens Temecula vs. Sugar Land