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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Long Beach is 51% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,803/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 19%
$83,969/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 24%
$762,200 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 48%
$1,890/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 18%
458,491
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

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $340/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $4,080/year.

Median household income is $20,095/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Long Beach or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $340/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $20,095/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/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 Long Beach details → View Elizabeth details →

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