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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Lancaster is 11% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,696/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 14%
$76,083/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 16%
$409,100 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 4%
$1,746/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 12%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $233/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $2,796/year.

Median household income is $12,209/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Lancaster or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $233/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $12,209/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Lancaster and Elizabeth

Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland