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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Los Angeles is 67% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,879/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 22%
$80,366/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 21%
$879,500 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 55%
$2,055/mo ↑ 33%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 25%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $416/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $4,992/year.

Median household income is $16,492/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $416/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $16,492/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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.
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More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Elizabeth

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