Cost of Living: Mesa, AZ vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Mesa

Arizona
107
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Mesa is 4% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,478/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 1%
$78,779/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 19%
$364,300 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 8%
$1,404/mo ↓ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 10%
507,478
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.62%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Mesa, AZ and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 107 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $14,905/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Mesa is $364,300 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mesa vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Mesa or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Mesa is cheaper to live in with an index of 107 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Mesa and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Mesa is $1,478/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Mesa or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $78,779 in Mesa and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $14,905/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and New Jersey?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Mesa or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Mesa has a cost index of 107 with median rent of $1,478/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 Mesa details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

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Mesa vs. Kansas City Mesa vs. Atlanta Mesa vs. Sacramento Mesa vs. Omaha Mesa vs. Tucson Mesa vs. Colorado Springs Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland