Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Raleigh and Elizabeth have a similar cost of living.

$1,468/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ≈ Same
$82,424/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 23%
$377,800 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$393,500 ↑ 4%
$1,487/mo ↓ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↑ 4%
470,763
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $18,550/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Raleigh slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Raleigh or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $5/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $18,550/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Elizabeth details →

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