Cost of Living: Jersey City, NJ vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Jersey City

New Jersey
148
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Jersey City is 32% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,902/mo ↑ 30%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 23%
$94,813/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 33%
$534,500 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 26%
$2,006/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 23%
289,691
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
2.23%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

24.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jersey City, NJ and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $439/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $5,268/year.

Median household income is $30,939/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jersey City is $534,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in New Jersey.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jersey City vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Jersey City or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jersey City and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Jersey City is $1,902/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $439/month.
Which city has higher income, Jersey City or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $94,813 in Jersey City and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $30,939/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and New Jersey?
Both cities are in New Jersey and share the same state tax rates: 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Jersey City or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $1,902/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 Jersey City details → View Elizabeth details →

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