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

Pasadena

California
220
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Pasadena is 108% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$2,218/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 34%
$103,778/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 38%
$1,045,000 ↑ 166%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 62%
$2,340/mo ↑ 52%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 34%
136,462
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.25%
Sales Tax
6.625%
0.71%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pasadena, CA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 220 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $755/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $9,060/year.

Median household income is $39,904/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pasadena is $1,045,000 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pasadena vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Pasadena or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pasadena and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Pasadena is $2,218/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $755/month.
Which city has higher income, Pasadena or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $103,778 in Pasadena and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $39,904/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with median rent of $2,218/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 Pasadena details → View Elizabeth details →