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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Elk Grove is 50% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,180/mo ↑ 49%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 33%
$122,229/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 48%
$603,400 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 35%
$2,227/mo ↑ 44%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 31%
177,221
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $717/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $8,604/year.

Median household income is $58,355/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $717/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $58,355/year higher in Elk Grove.
How do taxes compare between California and New Jersey?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Elk Grove or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Elk Grove details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Elizabeth

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland