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

Oceanside

California
179
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Oceanside is 60% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,207/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 34%
$93,724/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 32%
$702,000 ↑ 78%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 44%
$2,232/mo ↑ 45%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 31%
172,542
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

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oceanside, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 179 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $744/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $8,928/year.

Median household income is $29,850/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oceanside is $702,000 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oceanside vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Oceanside or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oceanside and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Oceanside is $2,207/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $744/month.
Which city has higher income, Oceanside or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $93,724 in Oceanside and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $29,850/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with median rent of $2,207/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 Oceanside details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oceanside and Elizabeth

Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland