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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Irvine is 129% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,893/mo ↑ 98%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 49%
$129,647/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 51%
$1,115,400 ↑ 183%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 65%
$2,904/mo ↑ 88%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 47%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,430/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $17,160/year.

Median household income is $65,773/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Irvine or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $1,430/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $65,773/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Elizabeth details →

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