Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Philadelphia is 24% cheaper than Elizabeth.

$1,323/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↑ 11%
$60,698/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↑ 5%
$232,400 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 69%
$1,233/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 25%
1,582,432
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
10.75%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
1.49%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $140/month cheaper in Philadelphia, saving renters about $1,680/year.

Median household income is $3,176/year higher in Elizabeth. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $140/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $3,176/year higher in Elizabeth.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and New Jersey?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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.
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