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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Oakland is 74% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,917/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 24%
$97,369/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 34%
$924,700 ↑ 135%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 57%
$2,164/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 29%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $454/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $5,448/year.

Median household income is $33,495/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Oakland or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $454/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $33,495/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oakland and Elizabeth

Oakland vs. Miami Oakland vs. Minneapolis Oakland vs. Virginia Beach Oakland vs. Tulsa Oakland vs. Long Beach Oakland vs. Bakersfield Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland