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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Fresno is 10% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,324/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 10%
$66,804/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 4%
$348,500 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 13%
$1,391/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 11%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $139/month cheaper in Fresno, saving renters about $1,668/year.

Median household income is $2,930/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Fresno or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fresno is cheaper to live in with an index of 101 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $139/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $2,930/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Fresno and Elizabeth

Fresno vs. Albuquerque Fresno vs. Tucson Fresno vs. Milwaukee Fresno vs. Sacramento Fresno vs. Baltimore Fresno vs. Kansas City Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland