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

Orange

California
206
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Orange is 84% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,252/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 35%
$116,945/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 45%
$900,700 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 56%
$2,394/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 36%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $789/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $9,468/year.

Median household income is $53,071/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Orange or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $789/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $53,071/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Elizabeth

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland