Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs West Palm Beach, FL (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Elizabeth is 6% cheaper than West Palm Beach.

$1,463/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 17%
$63,874/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↑ 8%
$393,500 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 6%
$1,543/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↑ 8%
135,887
Population
119,508

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
0%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $246/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $2,952/year.

Median household income is $5,387/year higher in West Palm Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

Florida has no state income tax, giving West Palm Beach residents a significant tax advantage over New Jersey's 10.75% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Elizabeth or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 119 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $246/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $5,387/year higher in West Palm Beach.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and Florida?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elizabeth details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and West Palm Beach

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland West Palm Beach vs. Hartford West Palm Beach vs. Spring Hill West Palm Beach vs. Fairfield West Palm Beach vs. Wilmington West Palm Beach vs. Berkeley West Palm Beach vs. Billings