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

Palmdale

California
130
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Palmdale is 16% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,736/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 16%
$81,151/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 21%
$435,300 ↑ 11%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 10%
$1,831/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 16%
165,487
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Palmdale, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $273/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $3,276/year.

Median household income is $17,277/year higher in Palmdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Palmdale is $435,300 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Palmdale vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Palmdale or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 130 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Palmdale and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Palmdale is $1,736/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $273/month.
Which city has higher income, Palmdale or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $81,151 in Palmdale and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $17,277/year higher in Palmdale.
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 Palmdale or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,736/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 Palmdale details → View Elizabeth details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Palmdale and Elizabeth

Palmdale vs. Springfield Palmdale vs. Salinas Palmdale vs. Fort Collins Palmdale vs. Hayward Palmdale vs. Lancaster Palmdale vs. Corona Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland