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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Modesto is 7% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,609/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 9%
$77,899/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 18%
$415,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 5%
$1,613/mo ↑ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 4%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $146/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $1,752/year.

Median household income is $14,025/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Modesto or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $146/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $14,025/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Modesto and Elizabeth

Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland